Browsing by Subject "Older adults"
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Item The effects of physical constraint and community social capital on mental distress in older adults : a latent interaction model(2015-08) An, Sok; Jang, Yuri; Schwab, A. James; DiNitto, Diana M; von Sternberg, Kirk; Angel, Jacqueline LPhysical constraints such as functional disability and chronic disease are prevalent in older adults. These conditions are known to decrease ones quality of life and may lead to mental health problems for the older population. Research shows that individual social resources such as social networks and support from family and friends improve individual health and buffer the negative impact of chronic stress. Yet, few studies have examined the protective role of community social capital in improving older adults’ mental health. This study highlights community social capital as a critical coping resource for older adults with physical constraints. Building upon the previous literature on the link between physical and mental health in later life, the present study explored the buffering effects of community social capital (indicated by social cohesion, social ties, and safety) in the relationship between physical constraints (indicated by chronic disease and functional disability) and mental distress (indicated by depression and anxiety). Using data from 2,362 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and older in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 2, a latent moderated structural equation modeling was tested. The fit of the model including both direct effects of physical burden and social capital and their latent interaction was excellent. Both physical constraints (β =. 382, p <. 001) and community social capital (β = -.059, p < .01) had a direct effect on mental distress, and their interaction was also found to be significant (β = -.306, p < .001). The group with high social capital presented a relatively stable slope in the prediction of physical burden on mental distress, suggesting their resilience. On the other hand, the group with a low social capital demonstrated a steep slope, indicating heightened vulnerability to mental distress when faced with stress caused by physical constraints. Given its buffering role, further attention need to be paid to enhance the ways community social capital can promote the health and well being of older adults.Item The influence of age expectations on the emotion and clinical judgment of social work practitioners in an oncology setting(2011-05) Conlon, Annemarie; Choi, Namkee G., 1955-; Jones, Barbara (Barbara L.)This study examined the impact of oncology social workers’ expectations regarding aging and expectations regarding aging with cancer on their emotion and clinical judgment using path analysis. The data was collected via an on-line survey distributed through the Association of Oncology Social Workers’ listserv. Participants were randomly assigned one of four vignettes that described a patient diagnosed with lung cancer. The vignettes differed by the age (78 or 38) and gender (female or male) of the patient, while the content remained the same. Oncology social workers’ expectations regarding aging were measured to provide an understanding of their beliefs about the aging process with respect to physical health, mental health, end-of-life, and cancer and mental health. These responses were utilized to predict oncology social workers’ clinical judgment during three judgment phases, i.e. anticipatory, diagnostic and treatment. Emotion was evaluated as a possible indirect effect between expectations regarding aging and clinical judgment. Age differences across gender were examined. Overall, the research supported the hypothesis that practitioners’ expectations regarding aging and expectations regarding aging with cancer influence their emotion and clinical judgment. However, the results suggest a disconnection between diagnosis and treatment judgment. Though practitioners were able to diagnose depression and prioritize it highly, the prioritization of treatment for this depression was very low. Moreover, this research suggests that “preparation for end-of-life” and “mental health with cancer” are viable components of the “expectations regarding aging” construct. The results of this study have implications for social work education, practice, policy and research.Item THE USE OF TOUCH WITH OLDER ADULTS IN MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS(2017-04-18) Hughes, Marcus James; Miller, Karen; Dachinger, Carolyn; Al-Kofahy, LilibethThe purpose of this study was to explore how board-certified music therapists are currently using touch with older adults in clinical music therapy settings, what factors influence the use of touch, and which, if any, trainings are being implemented. Three forms of touch were defined and used in this study including: simple touch, protracted touch, and dynamic touch. Previous research within the music therapy and related fields suggest that touch is an important variable for consideration within a therapeutic context, and that there is potential for benefit by older adult clients. The independent variables analyzed were gender, race/ ethnicity, personality type, region, age, years of experience, philosophical/ theoretical orientation, diagnoses served, settings served, caseload, functions of touch, reasons for restriction of touch, and training received. A survey was created and sent using emails for 973 board-certified music therapists who identified as working with the geriatric population that were purchased from the Certification Board for Music Therapist. Of those individuals, 186 people completed the survey and met the inclusion criteria. Several findings were generated from this study. First, participants indicated using simple touch more frequently than protracted touch. Few participants indicated using dynamic touch on a frequent basis, and no participants indicated being most likely to use dynamic touch compared to simple or protracted touch. Second, the results provide support for the conclusion that diagnosis, setting, functions of touch, restrictions for touch, gender, personality type, region, philosophical orientation, and personal beliefs are all factors that may potentially influence a music therapists use of touch. Finally, the majority of participants who indicated providing massage or more advanced forms of therapeutic touch to clients indicated having received some form of advanced training or supervision from a qualified professional. As a result of this study, it can be concluded that touch is an important factor for consideration by music therapists working with older adults, that touch can have potential for benefit and harm to older adults, and that more training and education is needed in order to better prepare music therapists for appropriate use of touch within a therapeutic context.