Effects of Acceptance and Downward Contrast on Subjective Agingwell

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to address how to boost subjective agingwell. The concept of subjective agingwell describes elders' evaluative reactions-cognitive, affective, and spiritual-to their aging. Two hundred and fifty community-dwelling elders completed the instruments assessing acceptance, downward contrast, and subjective agingwell. Results from hierarchical regression analyses showed that acceptance, downward contrast comparison, and the interaction between acceptance and downward contrast could positively affect subjective agingwell. Specifically, confidence bands indicated that downward contrast could enhance subjective agingwell only when the level of acceptance was low. These findings represent a step forward in finding an efficient avenue to enhance subjective agingwell.