AMPLIFYING THE POSITIVE: RECIPROCAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SAVORING AND POSITIVE AFFECT
2024

Savoring and Positive Emotions in Older Adults

Sample size: 2945 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Stephens Jacquelyn, Smith Jennifer

Primary Institution: Mather Institute

Hypothesis

Savoring is longitudinally associated with increased positive affect even when accounting for baseline positive affect.

Conclusion

The study found that savoring and positive affect influence each other over time, leading to greater emotional well-being in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Savoring predicted later positive affect.
  • Positive affect predicted later savoring.
  • The study used data from three annual waves of the Age Well study.

Takeaway

When older people enjoy their experiences more, they feel happier, and when they feel happier, they enjoy their experiences even more.

Methodology

The study used random-intercept cross-lagged panel models to analyze year-to-year associations between savoring and positive affect.

Participant Demographics

Participants were older adults with an average age of 82.08 years, 66% of whom were female.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p > 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1482

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