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Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence the Purpose in Life among Working Adults and Retirees

Author

Listed:
  • Anabela Coelho

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
    H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1549-020 Lisboa, Portugal
    Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Manuel Lopes

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal)

  • Marta Barata

    (Aventura Social Associação, Universidade Lusófona/SPIC, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Sofia Sousa

    (Aventura Social Associação, Universidade Lusófona/SPIC, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Margarida Goes

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal)

  • Florbela Bia

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal
    Center for Interdisciplinary Heath Reseach (CIIS), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Dias

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal)

  • Ana João

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal)

  • Leonel Lusquinhos

    (Escola Superior de Enfermagem São João de Deus, Universidade de Évora, 7000-811 Évora, Portugal)

  • Henrique Oliveira

    (Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT-Lisboa), 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
    Instituto Politécnico de Beja, 1049-001 Beja, Portugal)

  • Tânia Gaspar

    (Hei-Lab, ISAMB, Universidade Lusófona, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and characterize biopsychosocial factors that impact the purpose in life (PIL) among adults that are working or already retired. This cross-sectional study includes a sample of 1330 participants, of whom 62.2% were female, with ages ranging from 55 and 84 years, with a mean of 61.93 years and a standard deviation of 7.65. Results suggest that the education level, stress, spirituality (religion) and optimism, social support from friends, and quality of life related to physical health seem to contribute positively to the PIL for both groups. However, some variables such as age, marital status and environmental quality of life help explain the PIL of retired people and the quality of life related to social support helps explain the PIL of working adults. Overall, the reported findings suggest that the purpose in life is strongly related to physical, psychological, social and environmental health factors. It is highlighted that working adults and retired people have their purpose in life related to similar factors and others specific to each life stage, suggesting the need for crucial interventions to promote a healthier and more positive aging process.

Suggested Citation

  • Anabela Coelho & Manuel Lopes & Marta Barata & Sofia Sousa & Margarida Goes & Florbela Bia & Ana Dias & Ana João & Leonel Lusquinhos & Henrique Oliveira & Tânia Gaspar, 2023. "Biopsychosocial Factors That Influence the Purpose in Life among Working Adults and Retirees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:8:p:5456-:d:1120144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lee Greenblatt-Kimron & Maya Kagan & Ester Zychlinski, 2022. "Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-12, December.
    2. PV AshaRani & Damien Lai & JingXuan Koh & Mythily Subramaniam, 2022. "Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-25, May.
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