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Psychological Factors That Suppress Help-Seeking among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living Alone

Author

Listed:
  • Yoh Murayama

    (Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan)

  • Sachiko Yamazaki

    (Department of Human Studies, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Saitama-ken 356-8533, Japan)

  • Masami Hasebe

    (Department of Human Welfare, Seigakuin University, Saitama-ken 362-8585, Japan)

  • Tomoya Takahashi

    (Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan)

  • Jun Yamaguchi

    (Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan)

  • Erika Kobayashi

    (Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan)

Abstract

Help-seeking among destitute adults has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study clarifies the mechanisms that suppress help-seeking in middle-aged and older adults living alone. Data were collected from 1274 individuals (aged 50–79 years) who were living alone, using a survey that measured future time perspective, barriers to help-seeking, help-seeking intentions, and current and childhood economic statuses. Men living alone experienced lower help-seeking intention than women, were more likely to try to solve problems by themselves, and experienced greater distrust in others. No sex differences were observed in “future anxiety” and “resignation to the future.” Poor economic status was associated with high “resignation to the future,” “future anxiety,” and “distrust of others” for both sexes. “Resignation to the future” was particularly higher among men with a poorer current economic status, which suppressed help-seeking. Abandoning hope for the future, which is characteristic of middle-aged and older men living alone, may inhibit help-seeking behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoh Murayama & Sachiko Yamazaki & Masami Hasebe & Tomoya Takahashi & Jun Yamaguchi & Erika Kobayashi, 2022. "Psychological Factors That Suppress Help-Seeking among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living Alone," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10620-:d:897675
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gyeong-Suk Jeon & Kyungwon Choi & Sung-Il Cho, 2017. "Impact of Living Alone on Depressive Symptoms in Older Korean Widows," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-11, October.
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