Centre for Policy on Ageing



Stress and the devaluation of highly salient roles in late life
Author(s)	Neal Krause
Journal title	The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological sciences and social sciences, vol 54B, no 2, March 1999
Pages	pp S99-S108
Keywords	Stress ; Age groups [elderly] ; Social roles ; Longitudinal surveys ; United States of America.
Annotation	The purpose of this study is to evaluate two competing views of how older adults cope with the effects of stressors that arise in highly valued roles. The author provides an overview of theoretical underpinnings: identity theory, coping strategies, and the influence of self-esteem. For the study, interviews were conducted with a nationally representative sample of older Americans at two points in time: 1992-1993 and 1996-1997. Complete data are available for 589 older adults. Respondents were asked to identify which of eight roles (spouse, parent, grandparent, other relative, friend, home-maker, provider, or volunteer) they valued most highly at both points in time. Information on the number of stressful events arising each role was also obtained. The findings suggest that instead of turning away from highly cherished roles when stressful life events arise, older adults may become more committed to them. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-990430011 A
Classmark	QNH: BB: TM5: 3J: 7T
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.