University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Health-specific optimism mediates between objective and perceived physical functioning in older adults

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 11:58 authored by Warner, Lisa, Schwarzer, Ralf, Benjamin SchuezBenjamin Schuez, Wurm, Susanne, Tesch-Romer, Clements
Abstract Particularly in older adults, self-reports of physical health need not necessarily reflect their objective health status as they can be biased by optimism. In this study, we examine whether the effect of objective physical functioning on subjective physical functioning is modified by health-specific optimism and self-efficacy. A longitudinal study with three measurement points over 6 months and 309 older adults (aged 65–85) with multimorbidity was conducted. Subjective physical functioning was regressed on objective physical functioning, health-specific optimism and self-efficacy. Subjective physical functioning was predicted by both objective physical functioning and optimism as a mediator. Moreover, an interaction between optimism and self-efficacy was found: Optimism predicted subjective physical functioning only for individuals with low self-efficacy. Subjective physical functioning is as much based on objective physical functioning as it is on health-specific optimism. Older adults base their subjective physical functioning on objective indicators but also on optimism, when they are less self-efficacious.

History

Publication title

Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

35

Issue

4

Pagination

400-406

ISSN

0160-7715

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publ

Place of publication

233 Spring St, New York, USA, Ny, 10013

Rights statement

Copyright 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health related to ageing

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC