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Self-Reported Health Status and Perceptions of Health Across Age Cohorts

Trice, Amanda
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1459455856

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
As global longevity increases, increased understanding of the construct of health is important to promote successful aging. However, few researchers have investigated differences in people’s ideas of health across the lifespan. The present study directly compared the self-reported health (SRH) and health conceptualizations of 113 college adults (CA; age 18-22) from a Midwestern university versus 112 older adults (OA; age 65 and older) recruited from a university-affiliated continuing education program. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized by asking participants to: (1) rate their subjective and objective health; (2) describe health in a narrative format; and (3) rate the importance of five theoretically derived health domains (physical, functional, attitudinal, behavioral, and spiritual). Results showed that OA rated their health significantly more positively than CA, despite reporting significantly worse physical health and more physical ailments. Additionally, OA reported better mental health status. Contrary to prediction, physical status was not seen as most important by either subgroup; in contrast, psychological aspects of health emerged as central to both groups. Differences emerged as OA placed significantly more importance on daily functional capabilities and spirituality than CA, while CA placed more importance on health-related behaviors. Results indicated that health is a multifaceted construct for both young and older adults but the most salient aspects differ; understanding the key features different age groups associate with health could prove helpful in targeting efforts to promote and improve health.
Susan Kenford, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Renee' Zucchero, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
60 p.
Psychology
self-reported health; older adults; health perceptions; SF-36

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Trice, A. (2016). Self-Reported Health Status and Perceptions of Health Across Age Cohorts [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1459455856

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Trice, Amanda. Self-Reported Health Status and Perceptions of Health Across Age Cohorts. 2016. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1459455856.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Trice, Amanda. "Self-Reported Health Status and Perceptions of Health Across Age Cohorts." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1459455856

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.