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Health-specific optimism mediates between objective and perceived physical functioning in older adults
Citation
Warner, Lisa and Schwarzer, Ralf and Schuez, Benjamin and Wurm, Susanne and Tesch-Romer, Clements, Health-specific optimism mediates between objective and perceived physical functioning in older adults, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 35, (4) pp. 400-406. ISSN 0160-7715 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
DOI: doi:10.1007/s10865-011-9368-y
Abstract
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.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | Optimism , Self-efficacy, Physical functioning, Older adults, Multimorbidity |
Research Division: | Psychology and Cognitive Sciences |
Research Group: | Psychology |
Research Field: | Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) |
Objective Field: | Health Related to Ageing |
Author: | Schuez, Benjamin (Dr Benjamin Schuez) |
ID Code: | 77943 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 12 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2012-06-05 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-07 |
Downloads: | 2 View Download Statistics |
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