The Effects of Stress, Vulnerability, and Appraisals on the Psychological Well-Being of the Elderly

Abstract

A conceptual model was developed and tested that examined the relationships between respondent characteristics, stressors, psychological well-being measures, and intervening life domain appraisals. The model was tested using data from elderly members of a Detroit area HMO. An innovative focus of the study was comprehensive consideration of the array of stressors impinging on the elderly. Stressors examined included recent negative life events, cumulative life crises, living with an ill family member, and social isolation. Domain appraisals in the model concerned satisfaction with activities, relationships, health, and income. Support was found for the hypothesis that stressors affect well-being indirectly through domain satisfactions.