Does the psychological variables predict life satisfaction and purpose in life in brazilian elderly?

Abstract

Aims: the present study aimed to investigate the association between indicatives of stress, anxiety and depression with life satisfaction and purpose in life among Brazilian older adults.Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted with 654 Brazilian older adults who responded the Life Satisfaction Scale, Purpose in Life Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed through independent t-test, Cohen’s D, Pearson Correlations and Multivariate Regression Analysis (p<0.05).Results: results indicated slightly higher levels of stress and anxiety for women when compared to men (p<0.05); indicatives of stress, anxiety and depression were inversely correlated to life satisfaction and purpose (r = -0.19 to -0.44; p<0.05); stress (β=-0.29) and depression (β=-0.36) were significant predictors of life satisfaction (R2=0.31; p<0.01), and life purpose (R2=0.18; p<0.01) was predicted by stress (β=-0.15), anxiety (β=0.10) and depression (β=-0.39).Conclusion: It can be concluded that stress and depression are significant factors hindering older adults’ satisfaction and purpose in life.