Discrimination and Mental Health in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Morgan Stangl, Man Guo, Yi Wang
Primary Institution: University of Iowa
Hypothesis
Personality traits may confound the relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health outcomes in older adults.
Conclusion
Increased perceived discrimination is linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, with the effects varying based on personality traits.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased perceived discrimination was consistently associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
- The associations did not vary based on levels of neuroticism.
- The associations were weaker among individuals with higher levels of extraversion.
- Extroverted individuals may cope with discrimination using more adaptive mechanisms.
Takeaway
When older people feel discriminated against, it can make them feel more anxious and depressed, but how much it affects them can depend on their personality.
Methodology
The study used regression analyses on data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study Psychosocial Leave-Behind Questionnaire.
Limitations
Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Middle-aged and older adults aged 50 and above.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website