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Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) are burdened by high rates of comorbid physical illnesses (de Hert et al., 2013). These illnesses contribute to shortened lives, with persons with SMI dying 15 to 30 years younger than persons without SMI (Colton &

The “why try” effect, a consequence of self‐stigma, is a sense of behavioral futility that may worsen depression. This study examines the regressive model of self‐stigma, the factor structure of a why try measure, and the pathway through which self‐stigma leads to depression. Data from 291 people self‐identifying with mental illness were collected through an online survey. Participants completed the Why Try Stigma Scale (WTSS) and measures of self‐stigma and depression. Structural equation modeling was used to test the WTSS factor structure and path models. Reducing the WTSS from 12 to 6 items led to good fit. The regressive model of self‐stigma was validated. A good fit was demonstrated for a model in which harm leads to unworthiness, then incapability, and then depression. The regressive model worsens sense of worthiness, which in turn affects personal capability, resulting in increased depression.

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Wellness coaching, a process in which a coach and client partner together to address the client’s wellness goals, can increase motivation and develop skills to enhance wellness and lifestyle balance among older adults. To understand wellness preferences among Life Plan Community residents, we surveyed a total of 447 residents from 10 Life Plan Communities. Participants were asked about perceptions of wellness, wellness activity preferences, motivators and barriers to participation in wellness activities, and wellness coaching program preferences. Twenty employees in wellness-related or leadership roles also completed a survey. To enhance our understanding of these perspectives on wellness coaching, nine residents and four employees participated in follow-up interviews. Among the study findings, the majority of resident respondents expressed an interest in improving almost all domains of wellness. Forty percent (40%) of participants said they were extremely or moderately likely to try wellness coaching, and about one-half (51%) said they believed they would benefit from wellness coaching. Staff indicated interest in implementing a wellness coaching program in their community, with 74% reporting at least a moderate likelihood of implementing a program if led by a staff member. Results indicated that emotional and vocational wellness programs were offered and attended less frequently than other types of wellness programs, which suggests that wellness coaching could help to address the need for more programming in these areas. In addition, findings suggested that implementation requires resident input to ensure buy-in. The survey results informed the development of recommendations for a resident wellness coaching program.