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Psychological Distress and Social Functioning in Elderly Spanish People: A Gender Analysis

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  • M. Pilar Matud

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38205 La Laguna, Spain)

  • M. Concepción García

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, Universidad de La Laguna, 38205 La Laguna, Spain)

Abstract

Psychological distress has been considered a key component in the psychosocial functioning and functional disability of the elderly, but the determining factors of social functioning and psychological distress in the elderly people are not yet fully known. The aim of this study is to perform a gender analysis of the relevance of psychological distress and psychosocial factors in the social functioning of the elderly. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 589 men and 684 women from the general Spanish population aged between 65 and 94 years was conducted. All participants were evaluated through questionnaires and scales that assess psychological distress, social functioning, stress, coping styles, self-esteem and social support. Results: Women scored higher than men in psychological distress, chronic stress, emotional coping and instrumental social support, whereas men scored higher than women in self-esteem and rational coping. Psychological distress was significantly associated in women and men with worse social functioning, which was also lower in older people and in women with lower self-esteem. Psychological distress has a considerable impact on the social functioning of the elderly, and gender is a relevant factor in the psychological distress experienced and its predictors.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Pilar Matud & M. Concepción García, 2019. "Psychological Distress and Social Functioning in Elderly Spanish People: A Gender Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:3:p:341-:d:200887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chokkanathan, Srinivasan, 2009. "Resources, stressors and psychological distress among older adults in Chennai, India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 68(2), pages 243-250, January.
    2. Emslie, Carol & Fuhrer, Rebecca & Hunt, Kate & Macintyre, Sally & Shipley, Martin & Stansfeld, Stephen, 2002. "Gender differences in mental health: evidence from three organisations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(4), pages 621-624, February.
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    1. David Cobos-Sanchiz & María-José Del-Pino-Espejo & Ligia Sánchez-Tovar & M. Pilar Matud, 2020. "The Importance of Work-Related Events and Changes in Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction amongst Young Workers in Spain: A Gender Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-14, June.
    2. M. Pilar Matud & Marisela López-Curbelo & Demelza Fortes, 2019. "Gender and Psychological Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-11, September.
    3. Nia Murniati & Badra Al Aufa & Dian Kusuma & Sudijanto Kamso, 2022. "A Scoping Review on Biopsychosocial Predictors of Mental Health among Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Milica Tadic & Zorica Terzic-Supic & Jovana Todorovic & Biljana Kilibarda & Milena Santric-Milicevic & Marija Dusanovic-Pjevic & Srboljub Milicevic, 2023. "Psychological Distress in the Republic of Serbia, the Association of Social Characteristics and Substance Use on a National Representative Sample of Serbia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-11, March.

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