Effects of adverse life events on mental health in single older adults in Japan

Abstract

BackgroundThis study tested a hypothesised model of the effects of adverse life events on the mental health of middle‐aged and older adults living alone, as mediated by thought suppression and help‐seeking behaviours, considering gender differences.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of 1202 (622 men; 580 women) individuals from 247445 residents aged 50–79 in District A of Tokyo. The questionnaire items covered parameters on adverse life events, help‐seeking behaviour, thought suppression, and mental health status.ResultsMultiple group structural equation‐modelling analysis revealed that the seriousness of adverse life events, help‐seeking behaviours, and mental health scores were higher in women than in men. No significant gender differences were observed in thought suppression. The findings support all three proposed hypotheses: severe adverse life events will: (a) give rise to help‐seeking behaviours, which will have a positive effect on mental health; (b) intensify thought suppression, which will harm mental health; and (c) inhibit help‐seeking behaviour, especially in single middle‐aged and older adult men.ConclusionThere is a need to develop interventional programs based on the theory of replacement thinking to encourage help‐seeking behaviours in middle‐aged and older adults.