Cognitive and Psychosocial Predictors of Subjective Well-Being in Urban Older Adults

Authors:
  • LRLisa J. Rapport
    Lisa J. Rapport
  • RHRobin A. Hanks
    Robin A. Hanks
  • PLPeter A. Lichtenberg
    Peter A. Lichtenberg
  • KTKaja Telmet
    Kaja Telmet
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Abstract
Prior research indicates that physical health and social support have substantial influences on subjective well-being among older adults. However, little research has examined the influences of coping style and cognitive functioning on subjective well-being among older adults. This study investigated cognitive and psychosocial predictors of subjective well-being among 129 adults, ages 65-89 years. Canonical correlation indicated that subjective well-being was characterized by two dimensions: life satisfaction and affective balance (happiness). The use of emotion-focused coping strategies and poor perceived health were associated with diminished perceptions of life satisfaction, whereas task-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping were positively related to happiness. Cognitive functioning was positively related to life satisfaction and pleasant emotions independent of education and income.