The Ecological Q-Sort was developed specifically for the measurement of self-concept in older adults. Self-concept is defined as individuals' perceptions of themselves in relationship to their environment. Consequently, self-concept is contextual, multidimensional and varies with the situation. The Ecological Q-Sort was subjected to convergent and discriminant validational procedures in the present study. Correlational analyses provided support for both convergent and discriminant validity, suggesting that this instrument measures ecological, domain specific self-concept in older persons. However, multivariate analysis of variance did not yield significant main effects or interactions for sex, marital status, and health as observed on the sets of ecological and non-ecological self-concept measures.

Age/cohort differences in several aspects of the self-system were investigated utilizing a sentence completion paradigm. Eighty-eight adults over age sixty and one hundred eight adults under age forty served as subjects. Subjects were asked to complete 30 self-referent sentence stems which were pre-structured to elicit information from the self-system. Responses were subjected to a content analysis utilizing a coding system which contained concepts used by subjects in their self-representations. Contents were coded for dimensions conceptually related to Physical Health, Autonomy, Self-Evaluation, Depression, Spirituality, and Altruism. Frequencies of codings were counted and subjected to statistical analysis for performing age group comparisons.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and better understand the stigma experienced by a specific subgroup of the population experiencing mental illness---older adults. Using the framework of the Modified Labelling theory, the effect and significance of stigma on their self-image was investigated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten seniors who participate in the Community Mental Health Program at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors in Montreal, Quebec. Using a purposive sample, study participants were included according to: age (i.e., 50 plus), participation in a mental health program in a community center, and having a diagnosis of a mental illness. Interviews were analyzed according to individual coping strategies as well as thematic content across interviews. Study results enhance understandings of how older people resist dominant discourses of stigma attached to mental illness and how personal perceptions on mental illness, age and health influence self-image.

Thesis (M.S.H.S.A.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on May 28, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-145).

No description available.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verkennende studie is onderneem om die rol van fisiese welstand rakende algehele geestesgesondheid te ondersoek. Die hoofdoelstelling is om vas te stel of daar verskille is tussen die selfkonsep en veerkragtigheid van ‘n groep individue wat kompeterend aan muurbal deelneem (vir ten minste die afgelope 12 maande) en ‘n ander groep wat geensins aan enige fisiese oefening deelneem nie (ook vir die afgelope 12 maande). Beide die groepe behoort tot die ouderdomsgroep van 50- tot 60 jariges. Hierdie navorsing is aangepak binne die positiewe paradigma van sielkunde as die wetenskaplike bestudering van die oorspronge, die prosesse en meganismes rakende optimale vlakke van menslike funksionering. Binne die kwantitatiewe benadering is ‘n vergelykende navorsingstipe gebruik. Sestig deelnemers is vir die doel van die studie gebruik. Die deelnemende groep (n=30) neem op ʼn gereelde basis aktief deel aan georganiseerde muurbal in die Meestersliga van die Westelike Provinsie se Muurbalunie. Die nie-deelnemende groep (n=30) het bestaan uit dertig individue wat glad nie aan enige fisiese oefening deelneem nie. Drie meetinstrumente is deur al die respondente voltooi, naamlik die Demografiese Vraelys, die Rosenberg Selfkonsepvraelys en die Veerkragtigheidsvraelys. Statisties beduidende verskille is gevind tussen die selfkonsep en veerkragtigheid van die deelnemende groep en nie-deelnemende groep. Die deelnemende groep het ʼn hoër selfkonseptelling en veerkragtigheidstelling as die nie-deelnemende groep getoon. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This explorative study was undertaken to investigate the role of physical well-being regarding mental wellness. The main objective was to establish whether there is a difference in the self-concept and resilience of a group of individuals who participate in squash on a competitive level (for at least the past 12 months) and an age equivalent that does not take part in any physical exercise (for also at least the past 12 months). Both these group’s members belong to the age group of 50 to 60 year olds. This research was located in the paradigm of positive psychology as the scientific study of the origins, processes and mechanisms regarding the levels of optimal human functioning. In this quantitative approach a comparative research method was used. Sixty persons were included in the sample of the study. Members of the participating group (n=30) take part in organised squash actively in the Masters League of the Western Province Squash Union on a regular basis. The non-participating group (n=30) consisted of individuals that do not take part in any physical exercise. Three measuring instruments were completed by all the respondents, namely the Demographic Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Resilience Questionnaire. Significant statistical differences were found in measures of the self-concept and resilience between the participating group and the non-participating group. The participating group showed a higher self-concept score and resilience score than the non-participating group.

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The purpose of the study was to evaluate perceived stressors, coping strategies, and coping effectiveness in older adults. The theoretical framework was Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) theory of stress.Data was collected from 55 independent living adults. Findings showed that primary perceived stressors focused on health, family, and independence. The most frequently used and effective style of coping was optimistic. The least frequently used and least effective style was emotive. The most commonly used and most effective strategy was prayer. Few demographic differences in coping were noted.A major conclusion was that, while individual coping strategies were highly effective, overall older adults coped only somewhat effectively with stressors.The significance of the study was that effective coping strategies and styles as identified can guide nursing interventions for stress management among older adults. Replication of the study is needed with a large sample from a variety of populations. / School of Nursing

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.