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Linked Lives: Dyadic Associations of Mastery Beliefs With Health (Behavior) and Health (Behavior) Change Among Older Partners

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Listed:
  • Johanna Drewelies
  • William J Chopik
  • Christiane A Hoppmann
  • Jacqui Smith
  • Denis Gerstorf

Abstract

Objectives Mastery beliefs are known to contribute to healthy aging. However, it is an open question whether individual mastery–health associations impact the health of close long-term partners. Method We applied actor–partner interdependence models to 4-wave, 6-year longitudinal dyadic data from married and cohabitating partners in the Health and Retirement Study (N = 1,981 partners; age at baseline: M = 67 years, SD = 8.93, range 50−94 years). Results Higher individual mastery beliefs were associated with better individual physical health and health behaviors. Higher mastery beliefs were associated with subsequent increases in light physical activity. Having a partner with higher levels of mastery was uniquely associated with fewer functional limitations, better self-rated health, and more physical activity. Actor × Partner interaction effects for functional limitations indicated multiplicative associations of actor and partner mastery with health. Of note, mastery–health associations for individuals and their partners were invariant across age, gender, education, employment status, perceived stress over one’s own and partner’s health, and cognition. Discussion Findings suggest that partner mastery beliefs matter for the health (behaviors) of older adults. We discuss possible mechanisms underlying partner interrelations in mastery and health, their age invariance, and consider implications arising from our results.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Drewelies & William J Chopik & Christiane A Hoppmann & Jacqui Smith & Denis Gerstorf, 2018. "Linked Lives: Dyadic Associations of Mastery Beliefs With Health (Behavior) and Health (Behavior) Change Among Older Partners," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 73(5), pages 787-798.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:73:y:2018:i:5:p:787-798.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbw058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Frieder R. Lang, 2001. "Regulation of Social Relationships in Later Adulthood," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 56(6), pages 321-326.
    2. Kin-Kit Li & Bradley J. Cardinal & Alan C. Acock, 2013. "Concordance of Physical Activity Trajectories Among Middle-Aged and Older Married Couples: Impact of Diseases and Functional Difficulties," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 68(5), pages 794-806.
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