Preferences for collaborative and individual everyday problem solving in later adulthood

Abstract

Individual and contextual predictors of preferences for solving everyday problems alone and in collaboration with others were investigated in a sample community-dwelling older adults (M age7 1.80 years, SDˆ5.78, rangeˆ56-87, 51 men, 56 women). Gender differences in problem-solving preferences were found in gender-stereotyped domains (e.g., meal-preparation; house repair). In several problem domains, more positive social comparisons of problem-solving ability were related to greater preferences for solving problems alone and lesser preferences for solving problems with others. Marital status, temporal comparisons of ability, and perceived health and control were related to problem-solving preferences in some problem domains. Results are discussed from a contextual perspective that focuses on the t between individuals' personal and social resources and their preferred approaches to solving everyday problems.

Variations in decision-making profiles by age and gender: A cluster-analytic approach

“…Future research should focus on disaggregating aspects of the “dependent” profile. A first step would be to distinguish different functions of including others, such as information or advice seeking, compensating for one’s own perceived or actual deficits, or collaborating to make joint decisions (see Meegan & Berg, 2002; Strough et al, 2002). Additional research is necessary to investigate whether focusing on multidimensional profiles (as opposed to styles in isolation) distinguish negative and positive real-world decision outcomes (Bruine de Bruin et al, 2007).…”

“…One study showed a positive association between rational and dependent styles (Loo, 2000), suggesting that people with rational styles may deliberate with others. However, individuals may involve others in the decision-making process for different reasons (see Meegan & Berg, 2002; Strough, Cheng, & Swenson, 2002). …”

“…Dependence on others may increase with age (Strough et al, 2002), as older adults experience a decline in fluid abilities (Salthouse, 2012). If so, depending on others might allow older adults to rely on deliberation, with dependent and rational styles co-occurring in profiles characteristic of older adults.…”

Revisiting the age-prospective memory-paradox: the role of planning and task experience

“…Moreover, there is empirical evidence showing that old women tend to solve everyday problems in female-stereotyped domains, such as meal preparation more often alone than men who prefer to complete such tasks in collaboration. This may further indicate the socialisation of gender-specific skills and responsibilities within this cohort (Strough et al 2002).…”

Dyadic Cognition in Old Age: Paradigms, Findings, and Directions

“…To examine this aspect of dyadic cognition, metacognitive questionnaires have been used in several studies on decision-making as well as other domains of dyadic cognition (Strough, Cheng, & Swenson, 2002). For example, Berg et al (2003) found that couples report that when collaborating in everyday life, they often divide and delegate labour.…”