THE MODERATING EFFECT OF AGE ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANTICIPATORY APPRAISALS AND AFFECTIVE REACTIVITY
2024
The Effect of Age on How We React to Stress
Sample size: 159
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Kinnear Lana, Luong Gloria
Primary Institution: Colorado State University
Hypothesis
More positive anticipatory appraisals would predict lower positive affective and negative affective reactivity, especially in older adults.
Conclusion
More positive anticipatory appraisals may actually increase positive emotional responses to stress in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Affective reactivity is linked to poorer health.
- Older adults may appraise stressors more positively than younger adults.
- More positive anticipatory appraisals were associated with increased positive affective reactivity in older adults.
Takeaway
Older people might think about stress in a more positive way, but this can sometimes make them feel even more stressed.
Methodology
Participants completed ecological momentary assessments and were subjected to a lab stressor involving public speaking and mental arithmetic tasks.
Participant Demographics
Younger and older adult participants from the Health and Daily Experiences study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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