Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students.
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- All Subjects: Social Support
Description
Spousal loss is a common, significant life event that can negatively affect multiple facets of individual health and psychological adjustment. Social support is one factor that is shown to improve adjustment following spousal loss, but much less is known regarding which facet of social support is most predictive of positive adjustment outcomes following spousal loss. This study examined the course of changes in mental health and well-being following spousal loss and which facets of social support are associated with better outcomes following spousal loss. Latent growth curve modeling was applied to data from 265 widowed individuals, ages 65 and older, across four assessments (baseline, and 6-, 18-, and 48- months following spousal loss). I examined the following research questions: (1) adjustment following spousal loss will follow a trajectory of an increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety and decrease in well-being with a leveling-off over time, with between-person differences, and (2) emotional support and instrumental support given will lead to more positive adjustment outcomes over time. Depressive symptoms followed the hypothesized trajectory but anxiety and well-being showed relative stability before and after spousal loss. Instrumental support was the most beneficial facet of social support, such that receiving more instrumental support was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety 6-months following spousal loss. Giving more instrumental support led to an increase in well-being following spousal loss. Instrumental support given and received led to increases in well-being as a function of spousal loss. The discussion focuses on whether and how these findings can help to identify ways through which support and help can be given to individuals to improve adjustment to spousal loss and fully recover.
ContributorsSullivan, Colleen Elizabeth (Author) / Infurna, Frank (Thesis director) / Luthar, Suniya (Committee member) / Davis, Mary (Committee member) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
Description
The beginning of the large Baby Boomer cohort's retirement, coupled with the increased divorce rate among older adults, means that there will be more single older adults than ever before beginning to consider living arrangements and long-term care needs as they age. Using a cumulative (dis)advantage framework and logistic regression, this research examines whether marital disruption and social support at Wave 1 increase the odds of having a specific chronic disease at Wave 2, diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. The sample consists of 2,261 adults age 57-85 who participated in the first two waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Being female and having more positive social support reduced the odds of having diabetes at Wave 2. Being older at Wave 1 increased the odds of having congestive heart failure at Wave 2. Being black and having a happy family life in childhood increased the odds of having hypertension at Wave 2. Suggestions for increasing positive social support are discussed, along with implications for long-term care and health education.
ContributorsPalmer, Doris, Ph.D (Author) / Kronenfeld, Jennie J. (Thesis advisor) / Hayford, Sarah (Committee member) / Ayers, Stephanie (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016