Life Satisfaction in a Clinical and a Nonclinical Group of Older People: The Role of Self-Compassion and Social Support

Abstract

Despite the health-promoting role of life satisfaction, little is known about its determining factors in older people with mental health problems compared to nonclinical participants. This study provides preliminary data into the role of social support, self-compassion, and meaning in life on older people’s life satisfaction within both clinical and non-clinical populations. In total, 153 older adults (age ≥60) completed the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and questions for relational variables. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that determinants of life satisfaction were self-kindness ( B = 2.036, p = .001) and intimate friends’ network ( B = 2.725, p = .021), while family relationships were found to be significant among the clinical group ( B = 4.556, p = .024). Findings are discussed in relation to incorporating self-kindness and rapport with family in clinical work with older adults to better promote their well-being.