Compassionate Love and Mental Health in Later Life
Author Information
Author(s): Bhatta Tirth, Albert Jeffrey, Torres Stacy, Kahana Eva, Lekhak Nirmala, Goler Timothy
Primary Institution: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Hypothesis
The distribution of compassionate love across race, gender, and socioeconomic status mediates the effect of socioeconomic status on later life mental health.
Conclusion
Compassionate love positively affects mental health, with variations across race and gender, particularly in the context of financial strain.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals experiencing increased financial strain reported lower feelings of compassionate love.
- Women reported greater feelings of love than men.
- Black adults reported greater feelings of love than white adults despite higher financial strain.
- Increased financial strain was associated with higher depressive symptoms and anxiety.
Takeaway
This study found that feeling loved can help older adults feel less anxious and depressed, especially when they are facing money problems.
Methodology
A nationwide web-based survey of adults aged 50 years and older was conducted, followed by mediation analysis.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 50 years and older, with variations in race and gender.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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