Development of a new multidimensional individual and interpersonal resilience measure for older adults

Abstract

Objectives Develop an empirically grounded measure that can be used to assess family and individual resilience in a population of older adults (aged 50-99). Methods Cross-sectional, self-report data from 1,006 older adults were analyzed in two steps. The total sample was split into two sub-samples and the first step identified the underlying latent structure through principal component Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The second step utilized the second half of the sample to validate the derived latent structure through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results EFA produced an eight-factor structure that appeared clinically relevant for measuring the multidimensional nature of resilience. Factors included self-efficacy, access to social support network, optimism, perceived economic and social resources, spirituality and religiosity, relational accord, emotional expression and communication, and emotional regulation. CFA confirmed the eight-factor structure previously achieved with covariance between each of the factors. Based on these analyses we developed the Multidimensional Individual and Interpersonal Resilience Measure (MIIRM), a broad assessment of resilience for older adults. Conclusion This study highlights the multidimensional nature of resilience and introduces an individual and interpersonal resilience measure developed for older adults which is grounded in the individual and family resilience literature.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among people who inject drugs in China

“…Our finding suggests that the negative association between resilience and depressive symptoms may be mediated by hopefulness and emotional family support. Both optimism and social support are attributes of resilience (Connor and Davidson, 2003;Dawson and Pooley, 2013;Martin et al, 2015;Molina et al, 2014). Future studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism of the protective effect of resilience against development of depressive symptoms among PWID in China.…”

The Relationship Between Family Resilience and Aging Successfully

“…In contrast to individually based traits, family resilience focuses on the family system as a whole and seeks to understand why some families flourish and others struggle when confronted with difficulties such as the illness or loss of a family member (Benzies & Mychasiuk, 2009;Bhana & Bachoo, 2011;Martin et al, 2015). Theoretically, family resilience has its roots in the crisis and stress literature, which attempts to pinpoint how families are able to recover from stressful events and restore their overall well-being when faced with demanding and traumatic circumstances (McCubbin et al, 1997).…”

“…While there is little empirical research connecting family resilience and aging (Martin et al, 2015;Walsh, 2012), there is a body of literature that focuses on the multifaceted aspects of aging successfully. Although there is no consensus on the optimum definition of successful aging and most definitions include physical and cognitive health considerations, the multidimensional nature of this concept characteristically encompasses social and productive engagement, environment, and other psychosocial factors Rowe & Kahn, 1987).…”

“…In this case it has been reported that resilience has a positive relationship to aging successfully (e.g., Jeste et al, 2013;Montross et al, 2006). While there is growing interest and study around the concept of resilience in the aging process, studies only recently have begun to think of resilience as a family system level issue (Johnston et al, 2014;Martin, Distelberg, Palmer, & Jeste, 2015;Walsh, 2012). In consideration to the aging and resilience research we outline the current known factors of resilience that have been shown to increase one's ability to age successfully.…”

An Observational Study on the Factors of Successful Aging in a Sample of Nonagenarian Patients in a Rehabilitation Hospital Complex

“…Resilience is a protective factor in older age; it includes self-efficacy, access to social support network, optimism, perceived economic and social resources, spirituality and religiosity, relational accord, emotional expression and communication, and emotional regulation (Martin et al 2015). In older people, greater ability to savour positive experiences and higher resilience may predict greater happiness, lower depression, and greater satisfaction with life (i.e.…”