@mastersthesis {11101, title = {Characterizing the Incidence of Sleep Disorders in a Cohort of Former College Football Players}, volume = {Master of Science}, year = {2020}, school = {Boston University}, address = {Boston}, abstract = {CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease defined by p-tau lesions in characteristic locations of the brain, leading to cognitive impairment as well as mood and behavioral dysfunction. Exposure to repetitive head impacts is a major risk factor for developing CTE; however, additional risk factors and secondary modulating factors, which may expand available treatment and prevention options, are still being elucidated. Studies into the glymphatic system, a system of waste clearance in the brain thought to be activated during sleep, have implicated glymphatic dysfunction in the clearance of toxic proteins like amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau, as well as in cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Disease, bringing into question whether sleep, through impacting glymphatic clearance, may act as a modulating factor in the development of CTE. In the present study, we began to characterize the presence of sleep disorders and their co-morbid conditions in a cohort of former college football players to gain better insight into their prevalence and the health outcomes of those with sleep conditions. Our results found higher rates of sleep apnea in the study sample, as well as an association between diagnosis with sleep apnea and diagnosis with dementia, AD, MCI, CTE, and similar disorders. Sleep apnea was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Further research into whether sleep disorders exacerbate CTE pathology or clinical symptoms, and whether treatment of sleep symptoms leads to better outcomes for patients with CTE, is necessary to further elucidate a potential connection.}, keywords = {Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Dementia, insomnia, Neurosciences, Psychology, Repetitive head impacts, sleep disorders}, isbn = {9798662379817}, url = {https://hdl.handle.net/2144/41216}, author = {Duncan,Kristen M.} } @mastersthesis {10237, title = {Comparing Cognitive Functioning in White Mexican/Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic White Americans with and without Type 2 Diabetes.}, volume = {Master of Science}, year = {2019}, month = {2019}, pages = {49}, school = {University of North Texas}, address = {Denton, TX}, abstract = {To better understand the impact of type 2 diabetes, the relationship between ethnicity, specifically Mexican/Mexican American ethnicity, and the disease must be further investigated. This study specifically examined the cognitive impact of type 2 diabetes. Data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study was used to compare the cognitive functioning of non-Hispanic White (n = 10,658) and White Mexican/Mexican American (n = 847) individuals, age 50+ years, with and without type 2 diabetes. Serial 7{\textquoteright}s and immediate and delayed recall{\textemdash}hypothesized to be more negatively affected by type 2 diabetes and Mexican American status{\textemdash}was compared controlling for age, education, and depression. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated significant main effects for race/ethnicity (F(3,11496) = 11.15, p < .001) and diabetes status (F(3,11496) = 3.15, p < .024), with Mexican Americans and those with diabetes having worse cognitive performance. There were significant effects for all covariates. A step-wise multiple regression indicated that education, age, depression, race/ethnicity and diabetes status accounted for a combined 28.4\% of variance in a cognitive performance composite. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.}, keywords = {Clinical Psychology, cognitive function, Diabetes, ethnicity, mexican american, Psychology}, url = {https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1538649/$\#$description-content-main}, author = {Saldana, Samantha Lee} } @mastersthesis {10321, title = {Effects of Financial and Non-Financial Incentives on Risky Health Behaviors and Health Outcomes}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-05-06}, pages = {276}, school = {Indiana University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {This dissertation studies how individuals respond to the incentives in policies that aim to improve health outcomes and reduce risky behaviors. My research design exploits variation in individuals{\textquoteright} out-of-pocket (OOP) medical prices generated by large insurance expansions. In Chapter 1, I study the effect of prices on the utilization of opioids and other prescription painkillers. I find that new users have a relatively high price elasticity of demand for prescription opioids, and that consumers treat over-the-counter painkillers as substitutes for prescription painkillers. My results suggest that increasing OOP opioid prices, through formulary design or taxes, may reduce new opioid use. Chapter 2 examines whether increased access to pharmaceuticals improves elderly people{\textquoteright}s functional outcomes and reduces their dependence on long-term care. I exploit the introduction of Medicare Part D, which reduced OOP drug prices and expanded drug utilization among the elderly. I find that the policy increased seniors{\textquoteright} capacity to perform activities of daily living and reduced the amount of time spent on informal caregiving by non-elderly caregivers. Chapter 3 explores unintended effects of policies that expand prescription drug coverage. Economic theory predicts that lowering people{\textquoteright}s OOP health care costs may protect them financially from the consequences of their unhealthy behaviors. I use detailed data on individuals{\textquoteright} food consumption and find that drug coverage worsens people{\textquoteright}s diets. In Chapter 4, I exploit the Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent coverage provision to assess the impacts of health insurance on consumption among young adults. I find that expanded insurance eligibility increased total spending, particularly in the categories of food, alcohol, and contraceptives. I provide evidence that increases in consumer purchasing power may be an important spillover effect of health insurance expansions. Chapter 5 analyzes the effects of the Medicaid expansions facilitated by the ACA on racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes. We find that the Medicaid expansion had no detectable effect on cancer screenings for the overall population or for any specific race, but that the incidence of early stage diagnoses increased for Whites and by Hispanics; there was no detectable change for Blacks or other non-Hispanic races.}, keywords = {0384:Behavioral psychology, 0501:Economics, 0630:Public policy, Behavioral psychology, Economics, Health Economics, health policy, Out-of-pocket medical expenses, Psychology, Public Policy, Social Sciences}, isbn = {9781392061473}, url = {https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/handle/2022/22958}, author = {Soni,Aparna} } @article {10508, title = {Gradual Change, Homeostasis, and Punctuated Equilibrium: Reconsidering Patterns of Health in Later Life}, journal = {Demography}, volume = {56}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Demography is a copyright of Springer, (2019). All Rights Reserved; Last updated - 2020-01-02}, month = {12}, pages = {2323-2347}, abstract = {Longitudinal methods aggregate individual health histories to produce inferences about aging populations, but to what extent do these summaries reflect the experiences of older adults? We describe the assumption of gradual change built into several influential statistical models and draw on widely used, nationally representative survey data to empirically compare the conclusions drawn from mixed-regression methods (growth curve models and latent class growth analysis) designed to capture trajectories with key descriptive statistics and methods (multistate life tables and sequence analysis) that depict discrete states and transitions. We show that individual-level data record stasis irregularly punctuated by relatively sudden change in health status or mortality. Although change is prevalent in the sample, for individuals it occurs rarely, at irregular times and intervals, and in a nonlinear and multidirectional fashion. We conclude by discussing the implications of this punctuated equilibrium pattern for understanding health changes in individuals and the dynamics of inequality in aging populations.}, keywords = {Aging, Demography, Equilibrium, health, Health problems, Homeostasis, Inequality, Life stage transitions, Life Tables, Longitudinal analysis, Multistate, Older people, Psychology, Sequence analysis, Statistical models, trajectory}, isbn = {00703370}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31713126}, author = {Michal Engelman and Heide Jackson} } @mastersthesis {10366, title = {Social Relationships and Progression of Frailty: Exploring the Reciprocal Association of Social Ties and Physical Vulnerability in Later Life}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-10-03}, pages = {140}, school = {Michigan State University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Frailty is described as a state of heightened vulnerability and functional impairment due to the cumulative declines across multiple physiological systems. When faced with stressor events, older adults with frailty are in higher risk of adverse health outcomes. While the prevalence of frailty generally increases with age, there are considerable heterogeneity in onset and progression of frailty among older population. Growing attention is given to identifying the psychosocial factors related to the development of frailty. Social relationships often serve as a vital context of health, where older adults experience multidimensional and dynamic exchange with close others as they age. In this dissertation, two studies are conducted to investigate complex and reciprocal nature of social relationships and frailty progression in older adulthood. The data are from the six waves (2006-2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study of older adults in U.S. aged 50 and older. The first study utilized the convoy model of social relations to provide comprehensive investigation of how different aspects of social relations are associated with frailty progression over a decade. There were three distinctive subpopulations following a different frailty progression trajectory. When social network and relational quality with spouse, children, family, and friends were examined, higher frequency of contact with friends were associated with lesser frailty. Negative relationship quality with social ties were detrimental to frailty progression, such that strain with spouse and kin (children and extended family) had an additive effect on belonging to high frailty or steep increase frailty trajectory groups. The perceived loneliness partially explained the negative effect of spousal strain, but the negative effect of large family size and strain with kin were independent from loneliness. The second study explored the health contexts of older couple{\textquoteright}s marital quality, specifically focusing on the presence of frailty and depression within- and across-person in the marital relationship. Using three waves of dyadic data from HRS, I found that one{\textquoteright}s own and partner{\textquoteright}s higher frailty and higher depression all had independent associations with one{\textquoteright}s higher marital strain. For one{\textquoteright}s marital support, one{\textquoteright}s own higher frailty, higher depression, and partner{\textquoteright}s higher depression had negative effects. There was an across-person interaction effect of frailty, such that one{\textquoteright}s marital quality was affected by their partner{\textquoteright}s higher level of frailty only when their own health was good. Having a husband with higher frailty was associated with higher marital strain for wives. Most effects were stable over time. Overall, the findings illustrate the significance of social relationship context as a predictor for different trajectory of frailty progression. The size, frequency of contact, positive, and negative quality were linked to frailty differentially by relationship type, underscoring the benefits of comprehensive examination of social experiences. Further, the level of frailty and depression were linked to perceived marital quality of both members of the couple, especially in damaging manner when healthier spouse is faced with partner{\textquoteright}s health problems. Taken together, my dissertation demonstrated the importance of studying linked lives in context of health conditions prevalent in older adulthood. The findings can be useful to practitioners and policy makers in understanding the intricate link between social relations and frailty as well as in identifying modifiable factors for frailty prevention.}, keywords = {0344:Social research, 0351:Gerontology, 0621:Psychology, Aging, Frailty, Gerontology, Health and Retirement Study, Marriage, Older Adults, Psychology, Social Relationships, Social research}, isbn = {9781085749725}, url = {https://search.proquest.com/docview/2296357161?pq-origsite=gscholar}, author = {Ji Hyun Lee} } @mastersthesis {10296, title = {Successful Aging among Bridge Employment Workers}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-05-23}, pages = {167}, school = {Alliant International University }, type = {phd}, address = {San Diego}, abstract = {As life expectancy rates expand and health care advancements continue to improve, countless older workers have the capacity to work in older age, and many are opting to participate in bridge employment rather than full retirement (Topa, Alcover, Moriano, \& Depolo, 2014). Due to this surge in bridge employment participation, there has been an increased interest in the topic (M{\"u}ller, De Lange, Weigl, Oxfart, \& Van der Heijden, 2013; Munnell \& Sass, 2008; Topa et al., 2014; Zhan, Wang, Liu, \& Shultz, 2009). Therefore, the current study attempts to explore the experience of aging among the population of individuals who have elected to participate in bridge employment. In the current study, two of the most commonly used theoretical perspectives of successful aging: continuity theory, and resource-based dynamic theory, have been examined. Using this integrated perspective, the current study has attempts to explain the relationships between subjective socioeconomic status continuity and individual resources, and their impact on the change of successful aging over time among bridge employment workers. The analyses were conducted on data from a panel dataset collected by the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). This dataset included a large representative sample of U.S. older adults and used a longitudinal design. The analyses revealed that continuity theory is a suitable theoretical perspective to use when investigating the change of successful aging among bridge employment workers. Additionally, continuity in subjective socioeconomic status was found to have a significant, positive relationship with the level of successful aging among bridge employment workers and the change of successful aging over time. The results from the current study underscore the importance of stability in one{\textquoteright}s sense of standing in the social hierarchy and its impact of successful aging among this population.}, keywords = {0624:Occupational psychology, 0703:Organizational behavior, Bridge employment, Full retirement, Occupational psychology, Organizational behavior, Psychology, Social Sciences, Successful aging}, isbn = {9781392121658}, url = {https://search.proquest.com/docview/2226092065?pq-origsite=gscholar}, author = {Campbell,Tiffany C.} } @mastersthesis {10332, title = {Understanding Racial Health Differences: The Role of Stressor Exposure and Affect Reactivity}, volume = {Master of Science}, year = {2019}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-09-20}, pages = {49}, school = {Colorado State University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Despite all that is known about racial differences in health and well-being outcomes, much less is known about the processes that give rise to these differences. Previous work examining racial differences in stress-health processes has primarily focused on examining stressor exposure as a predictor and posits that mediating effects account for the racial differences in health and well-being outcomes. This study expands on previous work by examining the extent to which different stressor characteristics (i.e., stressor exposure and affect reactivity) may account for racial group differences in the following health and well-being outcomes: grip strength, health conditions, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and life satisfaction, and by testing for both mediating and moderating effects of each stressor characteristic. Results demonstrate that there were racial differences in self-rated health, depressive symptoms, and loneliness. In all instances, Whites demonstrated more favorable outcomes compared to non-Whites. These racial differences, however, were not accounted for by mediating effects of either stressor characteristic. Furthermore, the results indicate that race moderated the association between the stressor characteristics and grip strength, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Results are discussed in light of a stress-health framework and implications for minority health and well-being are discussed.}, keywords = {0620:Developmental psychology, 0621:Psychology, Affect reactivity, Developmental psychology, Health and well-being, Health differences, Minority health, Psychology}, isbn = {9781085569507}, url = {https://mountainscholar.org/handle/10217/195239}, author = {Arredondo,Carla M.} } @mastersthesis {10341, title = {The Association of Computer Usage and Cognitive Function in Older Adults}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-07-11}, pages = {83}, school = {Palo Alto University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Computers are a ubiquitous part of American culture. While older adults (65 years and over) are often among the last adopters of new technology (Pew Research Center, 2014), those who are more willing to utilize new technologies may be at a cognitive advantage over those who do not use them (Wright, 2000). This dissertation examines the cognitive functioning associated with computer use in older adults. It was hypothesized that due to the complex nature of computer usage, older adults who utilize a computer often, would have better preserved cognitive functioning than older adults who do not use the computer as often. This study utilized archival data from the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) in a quasi-experimental, cross-sectional design. Adult participants (n = 274) 71 years or older with no dementia were included in the study. All participants and collaterals completed interviews and questionnaires regarding activities of daily living, demographic, and lifestyle information. All participants completed the Trail Making Test (TMT-A; TMT-B); Digit Span Forward (DSF) and Backward (DSB); and Symbol Digit Modalities Task (SDMT). To examine the relationship between computer use, cognitive flexibility, working memory, information processing and processing speed, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was used. Age, years of education, and sex were entered as covariates. TMT-A and DSF were entered as covariates in the models. TMT-B, DSB, or SDMT were entered as the dependent variables in three separate models. Age, years of education, sex, TMT-A, and DSF were all significantly associated with regular computer use in older adults without dementia (p < .01). However, only SDMT was significantly associated with regular computer use in cognitive normal older adults ( p = 0.013). These findings suggest that regular computer use was associated with information processing and processing speed, as measured by SDMT, in older adults without dementia. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causality cannot be determined. Thus, as reported by Kaye et al. (2014), it is possible that the older adults who used the computer regularly had higher cognitive function and were therefore more likely to continue using the computer than those with decreased cognitive functioning.}, keywords = {0351:Gerontology, 0633:Cognitive psychology, Cognition, Cognitive psychology, Computer use, Executive function, Gerontology, Older adult, Processing speed, Psychology, Social Sciences, Working memory}, isbn = {9780438025363}, url = {https://proxy.lib.umich.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/2051806206?accountid=14667}, author = {Liou-Johnson,Victoria} } @mastersthesis {10326, title = {Cohort membership and perspectives on aging}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-05-29}, pages = {274}, school = {Adelphi University, The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies}, type = {phd}, abstract = {This study is an investigation into cohort membership and perspectives on aging, specifically whether Baby Boomers, born between 1948 and 1965 and socialized in an era of individualism and youthfulness, view aging differently from previous generations. In an exploratory study, responses to three key outcome variables (Satisfaction with Aging, Subjective Age, and Subjective Life Expectancy) were analyzed using a demographically diverse, nationally representative U.S. sample, age 55 and over (N = 2898) from the Health and Retirement Study (FIRS). Because data were collected at only two time points (2008 and 2012), the ability to distinguish between age, cohort, and period effects was limited. Findings indicate that the group born between 1942 and 1945 (between ages 63 and 66 in 2008 and 67 and 70 in 2012) was most satisfied with aging. Research indicates that people in their sixties report fewer worries than in late midlife; in addition, this group was raised in a time when the clouds of scarcity and war were lifting, thereby coming of age in a time of optimism. The group born between 1938 and 1941 felt significantly younger in 2008 compared to 2012. As this age group moved into their seventies, they may have noticed more of the physical effects of aging. However, given that these two time points squarely bracket the U.S. recession, there may also have been a period effect; that is, someone seeing their retirement savings dwindling might focus more on being old. Including gender, race, and ethnicity in the model added complexity to the findings. For example, among men born between 1934 and 1941, Hispanic men were significantly more satisfied with aging than were Non-Hispanic men, and Hispanic women born between 1950 and 1953 reported significantly greater satisfaction with aging than did Non-Hispanic women. These findings call for more detailed inquiries. As data are collected at more time points, it should become more feasible to disentangle the effects of cohort, period and age. The inclusion of gender, race, and ethnicity suggests that perspectives on aging may vary greatly in different socio-cultural environments, calling for qualitative studies.}, keywords = {0351:Gerontology, 0621:Psychology, Gerontology, Psychology, Social Sciences}, isbn = {9780355811919}, author = {Schoenhammer,Maria} } @article {6510, title = {Education and Psychosocial Functioning Among Older Adults: 4-Year Change in Sense of Control and Hopelessness.}, journal = {J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci}, volume = {73}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Jun 14}, pages = {849-859}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates education differences in levels and change in sense of control and hopelessness among older adults.

METHOD: We used data from the Health and Retirement Study, an ongoing biennial survey of a nationally representative sample of older Americans, to examine education differences in sense of control (e.g., mastery and perceived constraints) and hopelessness. Our sample included 8,495 adults aged 52 and older who were interviewed in 2006/2008 and 2010/2012. We assessed separate models for change in sense of control and hopelessness, accounting for recent changes in social circumstances and health status.

RESULTS: Low mastery, perceived constraints, and hopelessness were highest among individuals with less than a high school education. Over a 4-year period, this group experienced the greatest declines in psychosocial functioning, as indicated by greater increases in low mastery, perceived constraints, and hopelessness. Education differences existed net of recent negative experiences, specifically the loss of intimate social relationships and social support and increases in disease and disability.

DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of education for sense of control and hopelessness in older adulthood and demonstrate the cumulative advantage of higher levels of education for psychosocial functioning.

}, keywords = {Activities of Daily Living, Aged, Educational Status, Female, Humans, Internal-External Control, Male, Middle Aged, Psychology, Sadness, Social participation, Social Support}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbw031}, url = {http://psychsocgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/03/23/geronb.gbw031.abstract}, author = {Uchechi A Mitchell and Jennifer A Ailshire and Lauren L Brown and Morgan E. Levine and Eileen M. Crimmins} } @mastersthesis {10288, title = {The Effect of Life Satisfaction on Health Care Utilization in Retirement Age Americans: A Latent Transition Analysis}, volume = { Master of Arts}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2019-03-12}, pages = {48}, school = {University of Alabama}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Retirement is often celebrated as an important milestone in life. It is also a time when health concerns may increase as retirees enter the early stages of old age. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is evidence for distinct patterns of excessive health care use and life satisfaction in the immediate post-retirement period. The role theory of retirement states that individuals may experience psychological distress during the retirement transition due to the loss of a work identity (Wang, 2007). This psychological vacuum created by the loss of work identity may manifest itself as low life satisfaction. The vacuum may be filled by increased health care utilization among older adults post-retirement. While high life satisfaction has been linked to less health care utilization, there has been no systematic search for subgroups of retirees who show more health care use. (E.S. Kim, Park, Sun, Smith \& Peterson, 2014; Gorry, 2015). The present study used a large longitudinal database of older adults, the Health and Retirement Study, to analyze membership in different life satisfaction and health care use trajectories from the pre- to post-retirement measurement waves. A latent transition analysis was utilized to identify classes of retirees that show differences in self-reported life satisfaction and health care use over time and found three distinct trajectories (low down-tick, moderate up-tick, high stable) of life satisfaction and four distinct trajectories (as distinguished by low, moderate, high levels of illness and HCU) of health care use. There was a significant, albeit weak association between one{\textquoteright}s membership in a given life satisfaction trajectory and health care use trajectory.}, keywords = {0621:Psychology, Health care utilization, Latent transition analysis, Life Satisfaction, Psychology, Retirement}, isbn = {9780438888531}, url = {https://ir.ua.edu/bitstream/handle/123456789/5372/file_1.pdf?sequence=1\&isAllowed=y}, author = {Kouchi,Kathryn} } @mastersthesis {10293, title = {Modeling Job-demand Conditional Dynamics in Physical and Cognitive Functioning on Changes in Older Workers{\textquoteright} Wellbeing over Time}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-07-22}, pages = {104}, school = {Saint Louis University}, type = {phd}, abstract = {Workforce aging presents organizations and researchers with the possibility that older workers will eventually retire, taking with them their accumulated skills and industry knowledge. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that promote the working individual{\textquoteright}s wellbeing across the lifespan to maintain their employability. Part of these efforts is the study of successful aging at work, which can be generally understood as achieving and maintaining positive outcomes across one{\textquoteright}s work lifespan. Successful aging theories emphasize the importance of understanding the person and contextual factors that influence wellbeing across the lifespan. Indeed, person factors such as health and fluid intelligence both indicate decrements in older individuals that likely result in decreases in wellbeing over time. The Job-Demands Resources (JD-R) model provides insight into how contextual, work-related factors like levels of job demands are also likely to have a negative, main effect on wellbeing over time. Moreover, older workers likely differ in the extent to which changes in health and cognition impact wellbeing, and job demands likely serve as a moderator of these relationships. The current study draws from the JD-R model and lifespan theories to understand the extent to which job demands exacerbate the effects that changes in health and fluid intelligence have on changes in wellbeing in a sample of older workers from the Health and Retirement Study.}, keywords = {0624:Occupational psychology, Aging, Fluid intelligence, health, Health and Retirement Study, Job demands, Occupational psychology, Psychology, Wellbeing}, isbn = {9780438127869}, url = {https://search.proquest.com/docview/2070621126?pq-origsite=gscholar}, author = {Toomey,Eileen C.} } @mastersthesis {10328, title = {Social Networks over the Life Course: Continuity, Context, and Consequences}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-08-19}, pages = {188}, school = {University of Michigan}, type = {phd}, address = {Ann Arbor, MI}, abstract = {Social relations have far-reaching influences on health and well-being across the lifespan. Social networks refer to the constellation of different interpersonal relationships that individuals maintain through their lives. Considering life course perspectives has illuminated the ways in which social networks develop and influence health and well-being at different life stages. The aim of this dissertation is to examine the multidimensionality, continuity, and consequences of social networks for well-being. The tenets of the convoy model are used as a guiding framework in conjunction with lifespan developmental perspectives to capture the unique challenges and circumstances of each developmental period examined. Most studies of children{\textquoteright}s social relations focus on specific relationships, despite robust evidence that children{\textquoteright}s social networks are comprised of a diverse range of social partners. The first study identified patterns of social relations among a regionally representative sample of children aged 7 to 14 (N=203), and investigated distinguishing sociodemographic factors between them. Further, links to childhood depressive symptomology were examined. Three typologies were identified: Varied Family (55\%), Close Family (22.5\%), and Friend and Family (22.5\%). Whites were more likely to be in the Friend and Family networks. There were no other sociodemographic differences between typologies. Additionally, membership in the Friend and Family typology was associated with greater depressive symptomology, but this link was not observed after accounting for significant life events. The findings highlight the importance of family-centric networks in childhood. Previous studies document differences in social networks across the lifespan, but longitudinal studies of intraindividual change in social networks are limited. The second study investigated continuity in social networks from childhood to adulthood using three waves of longitudinal data spanning 23 years. Results of growth curve analyses indicated that the majority of social network characteristics changed. Four patterns of social networks were identified in early adulthood (Mage=23): Diverse Distal, Varied Family, Close Family, and Friend-Focused. Descriptive data on transitions between social network patterns from childhood to adulthood suggest that most respondents experienced an expansion and diversification of social networks. This study demonstrated that changes in social networks from childhood to adulthood are consistent with the developmental goals of the transition to adulthood. The third study focused on older adults{\textquoteright} social networks and loneliness. Given the prominence of activity engagement in models of successful and active aging, the broader social integration derived from activity engagement was expected to protect against loneliness. The purpose of this study was to identify activity engagement patterns, and use these patterns to disentangle links between activity engagement, social network characteristics, and loneliness. Three classes of activity engagement were identified in a sample from the Health and Retirement Study (N=7,731): Restricted Activities (24\%), Average Activities (46\%), and Diverse Activities (30\%). Activity engagement had direct and moderating effects on loneliness. Specifically, diverse activity engagement buffered the negative effects of having few close ties with children. These findings suggest that social integration through activity engagement may compensate for inadequate social networks. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of studying social networks with a consideration for the developmental context in which they are formed, evolve, and exert influences on well-being. Using innovative pattern-centered approaches, these studies illuminate alternative ways of conceptualizing and measuring social networks. Findings from this dissertation provide insight into how social networks can be most effectively leveraged to promote successful development and aging.}, keywords = {0451:Social psychology, Lifespan, Psychology, Social psychology, Social relations}, isbn = {9780438126275}, url = {https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/handle/2027.42/144067}, author = {Jasmine A Manalel} } @mastersthesis {10325, title = {Social Relationships and Obesity in Later Life}, volume = {PhD}, year = {2018}, note = {Copyright - Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works; Last updated - 2018-07-04}, pages = {243}, school = {University of Massachusetts Boston}, type = {phd}, abstract = {The majority of U.S. older adults are overweight or obese. Social relationships are a key factor linked to obesity among younger age groups, but there are no known investigations of this association among older adults. This study examined the association between quantitative and qualitative indicators of social relationships and obesity among middle-aged and older adults. Further, this study investigated psychosocial and health behavior variables as mediators and moderators of the association between social relationships and obesity as well as explored demographic differences in this relationship. Using the 2004, 2006, and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a series of ordinary least squared (OLS) regression models were used to examine the hypothesized association between social relationships and obesity both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Psychosocial and health behaviors variables were sequentially added into the OLS regression models to explore the potential mediation of these variables and interaction terms were utilized to estimate their moderation effects. The sample was stratified by age, gender, and race to investigate demographic differences in the cross-sectional and longitudinal regression model analyses. In summary, the analyses showed that only qualitative indicators of social relationships were significantly related to obesity for the full sample. Specifically, results indicated that higher positive social support and lower negative social support were associated with lower waist circumference cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Daily exercise was observed to be a full mediator of these associations and anxiety was a partial mediator; both variables also acted as moderators. Longitudinal analyses also revealed that higher positive support and lower negative support were associated with decreased self-reported BMI from 2004 to 2010. In the stratified analyses, higher loneliness was associated with lower waist circumference for those 65 and older compared to middle-aged adults and higher social participation and weekly contact with friends were associated with lower waist circumference for non-Hispanic blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites. There were generally no other significant demographic differences. Findings from this study highlight several conceptual, programmatic, and policy implications and recommendations based upon these findings are presented. Healthcare providers are encouraged to inquire about older adults{\textquoteright} levels of social support and loneliness in order to achieve a more comprehensive assessment of wellness. Service providers and policymakers are encouraged to develop and fund programs that provide widespread and ample opportunities for older adults to engage socially, particularly those that incorporate or encourage physical activity and healthy eating.}, keywords = {0384:Behavioral psychology, 0451:Social psychology, 0493:Aging, Aging, Behavioral psychology, Health and environmental sciences, Obesity, Psychology, Social psychology, Social Relationships, Social structural location, Social Support, Weight Change}, isbn = {9780438003767}, url = {https://scholarworks.umb.edu/doctoral_dissertations/392/}, author = {Jane Tavares} } @article {8590, title = {Extracting Response Style Bias From Measures of Positive and Negative Affect in Aging Research.}, journal = {J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci}, volume = {73}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 12 15}, pages = {64-74}, abstract = {

Objectives: This study investigated the role of response style biases in the assessment of positive and negative affect in aging research; it addressed whether response styles (a) are associated with age-related changes in cognitive abilities, (b) lead to distorted conclusions about age differences in affect, and (c) reduce the convergent and predictive validity of affect measures in relation to health outcomes.

Method: A multidimensional item response theory model was used to extract response styles from affect ratings provided by respondents to the psychosocial questionnaire (n = 6,295; aged 50-100 years) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS).

Results: The likelihood of extreme response styles (disproportionate use of "not at all" and "very much" response categories) increased significantly with age, and this effect was mediated by age-related decreases in HRS cognitive test scores. Removing response styles from affect measures did not alter age patterns in positive and negative affect; however, it consistently enhanced the convergent validity (relationships with concurrent depression and mental health problems) and predictive validity (prospective relationships with hospital visits, physical illness onset) of the affect measures.

Discussion: The results support the importance of detecting and controlling response styles when studying self-reported affect in aging research.

}, keywords = {Affect, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Bias, cognitive aging, Geriatrics, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Models, Psychological, Psychology, Reproducibility of Results, Research, Surveys and Questionnaires}, issn = {1758-5368}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbw103}, url = {http://psychsocgerontology.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/geronb/gbw103}, author = {Stefan Schneider} } @article {8685, title = {The Influence of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors on Advance Care Planning.}, journal = {J Gerontol Soc Work}, volume = {59}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 07}, pages = {401-422}, abstract = {

This study investigated sociodemographic and psychosocial factors that enhance or impede the completion of advance care planning, analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study. The analytic subsample included the panel participants who died between 2006 and 2010 and who had answered the psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaire when they were alive. Multinomial logistic regression was executed to answer the research question (N~=~1,056). The study found that persons who were older, who were women, who identified themselves as White, and who had higher levels of income and education were more likely to be motivated to complete advance care planning. Having greater sense of control was found to weaken the adverse relationship between being African American and the completion of advance directives. Having cancer, suffering from the illnesses for longer periods of time, and having experience of nursing home institutionalization also predicted the completion of advance care planning. Implications include incorporating a culturally tailored approach for racial/ethnic minorities and using advance directives that are clear and easily understood. In addition, future research needs to include a larger minority population and examine the extent to which variations between racial/ethnic groups exist in relation to advance care planning.

}, keywords = {Advance care planning, Advance directives, African Americans, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Continental Population Groups, European Continental Ancestry Group, Female, Health Status, Hispanic Americans, Humans, Logistic Models, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Middle Aged, Psychology, Social Class}, issn = {1540-4048}, doi = {10.1080/01634372.2016.1229709}, author = {Inoue, Megumi} } @article {7500, title = {The Process of Retirement Planning Scale (PRePS): development and validation.}, journal = {Psychol Assess}, volume = {22}, year = {2010}, month = {2010 Sep}, pages = {520-31}, publisher = {22}, abstract = {

Although a substantial proportion of the western population is approaching retirement age, little is known about how they are preparing for the future. Much attention has been paid to the consumption of educational material and retirement wealth in the present literature, but the process of retirement planning has been ignored. S. L. Friedman and E. K. Scholnick{\textquoteright}s (1997) theoretical model provided the basis for a comprehensive measure of retirement planning. According to their process theory, individuals develop an understanding of the problem, set goals, make a decision to start preparing, and finally undertake the behaviors needed to fulfill their goals. Fifty-two items were developed to assess each stage of the planning process for financial, health, lifestyle, and psychosocial retirement planning. These were tested on a population sample of 1,449 New Zealanders aged 49-60. Confirmatory factor analysis, bivariate correlations, and hierarchical regression provided support for the valid use of the measure. Necessary antecedents, such as the tendency to look to the future, and locus of control were significantly related to the Process of Retirement Planning Scale (PRePS). The PRePS also outperformed retirement planning measures used in the Health and Retirement Study (F. T. Juster \& R. Suzman, 1995) after controlling for socioeconomic and psychological variables. This measure will enable social policy makers to determine which stages of retirement planning require support and intervention. The PRePS will also help to determine which domains of retirement planning predict well-being in later life and the factors which differentiate those who are planning from those who are not.

}, keywords = {Age Factors, Aged, Educational Status, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Female, Financing, Personal, Goals, Health Status, Humans, Internal-External Control, Male, Middle Aged, Pilot Projects, Planning Techniques, Psychological Tests, Psychology, Reproducibility of Results, Retirement, Surveys and Questionnaires}, issn = {1939-134X}, doi = {10.1037/a0019512}, author = {Jack H Noone and Christine Stephens and Fiona M. Alpass} }