Self-Perceptions of Aging and Daily Social Interactions
Author Information
Author(s): Lydia Ong, Patrick Klaiber, Nicole Stuart, Anita DeLongis, Nancy Sin
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
More negative self-perceptions of aging are associated with fewer interpersonal stressors and positive social interactions.
Conclusion
People with more negative self-perceptions of aging do not engage less socially daily but experience greater negative emotional responses to stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Negative self-perceptions of aging predict greater negative affect in response to stress.
- Participants with negative self-perceptions did not show less social engagement.
Takeaway
If you think aging is bad, you might feel worse when things go wrong, but it doesn't mean you hang out with friends less.
Methodology
The study used ecological momentary assessment over 14 days and multiple regression with multilevel models.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 25-89, with a mean age of 46, 71% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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