Coping strategies associated with participation and quality of life in older adults

Abstract

Background. It is important to understand the coping strategies that optimize or restrict participation or quality of life, especially for older adults. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between, on the one hand, problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies used to deal with aging limitations or health problems and, on the other hand, participation and quality of life. Method. A cross-sectional design was used with 82 community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older. Findings. Participants used both problem-focused (distancing, self-control) and emotion-focused (seeking social support, planful problem solving, positive appraisal) coping strategies to deal with aging limitations or health problems. Only a few moderately significant associations were found except for escape–avoidance coping strategies, which were significantly associated with lower participation and quality of life. Implications. Before developing interventions to improve or maintain older adults’ participation and quality of life, more studies are needed to better understand coping strategies used by older adults to deal with aging limitations or health problems and especially escape–avoidance strategies.