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

The present analogue study compared the effects of 2 theoretically divergent Life Review group psychotherapies on aspects of late life adjustment and development. Thirty-six adult non-patients, ages 65 years and older, from the Muncie - Delaware County vicinity, were randomly selected from an available subject pool of screened volunteer respondents and randomly assigned to one of three analogue treatment conditions with two groups for each treatment condition. These three treatment conditions were the structured reminiscence life review group (SRLR), the Gestalt life review group (GLR) and a Wait List control group (WLC). Demographic, mental status, and Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL) data were obtained from initial respondents by telephone interview and followed by written completion of the Symptom Checklist (SCL 90-R). The differential effects of treatment were measured by pre and post testing on four dependent variables: (1) depression, (2) congruence, (3) helplessness, and (4) ego integrity.Results indicated that neither of the two life review group psychotherapy treatments had any statistically significant effect upon the dependent variables. In a post hoc exploratory analysis, evidence emerged which suggested that the participants in the GLR treatment condition may have shown significant improvement on several state mental health variables. The dimensions of improvement for participants in the GLR were Interpersonal Sensitivity, Hostility, Depression, and Positive Symptom report as measured by the SCL 90-R. This contrasted with those in both the SRLR or WLC condition for whom no improvement was shown. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-145). / Microfiche. / ix, 145 leaves, bound 29 cm

Thesis (Ph.D.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 122-152). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:NR29500

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 251-287.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 148-159) Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2003. / Title from title screen (viewed 8 May 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Economics and Business. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print form.

Thesis equivalent (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1947. / Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Georgetown University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Sc. D.)--Louisiana Tech University, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 246-257).