Publication: Self-discrepancy and mental health in older women with chronic illnesses
Issued Date
2004-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
10680667
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-6344223108
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Adult Development. Vol.11, No.4 (2004), 251-259
Suggested Citation
Susan M. Heidrich, Arpaporn Powwattana Self-discrepancy and mental health in older women with chronic illnesses. Journal of Adult Development. Vol.11, No.4 (2004), 251-259. doi:10.1023/B:JADE.0000044528.54943.5f Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/21822
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Title
Self-discrepancy and mental health in older women with chronic illnesses
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Abstract
Self-discrepancy was investigated as a self-enhancing mechanism by which older women maintain their mental health and psychological well-being while coping with declines in physical health. In this 6-year longitudinal study, the mediating and moderating effects of self-discrepancy on mental health outcomes in older women with chronic health problems were tested. Participants were 103 community-dwelling older women who completed multiple, self-report measures of physical and mental health and self-discrepancy. There was a decline in physical health over time but an improvement in self-discrepancies. Low self-discrepancy (i.e., little discrepancy between the actual and ideal self) mediated and moderated the effects of physical health decline on mental health and psychological well-being. Thus, self-discrepancy appears to play a significant role in maintaining mental health in the face of declining physical health in older women.
