Coping strategies in Spanish older adults: a MIMIC model of socio-demographic characteristics and activity level

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to analyze the combined effect of socio-demographic characteristics and activity level on coping strategies, and on the other to test which of these variables has a greater impact on coping. Method: A sample of 243 men and women aged 55 to 99 years-old was selected from different elderly activity centers in Granada, Spain, using a convenience sampling. Associations between 8 coping strategies measured by CSI inventory and the above mentioned variables were examined using a MIMIC model. Results: Age was negatively related with the use of problem solving (β=-.182), express emotions (β=-.150) and social support (β=-.181) strategies. Activity level was positively related with problem solving (β=.214), cognitive restructuring (β=.143), express emotions (β=.245) and social support (β=.148) and it was negatively associated with social withdrawal (β=-.192). Gender only predicted the scores in self-criticism (β=.228) and living alone was related with higher emotional expression (β=-.151). Participation in creative activities, attending University for the third age and practical physical exercise were related with differences in the use of several coping strategies. Conclusions: There is a complex relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, activity level and the coping strategies used by the elderly. It is important to understand how these variables influence coping strategies in order to define a psychological profile for older adults who use ineffective coping, and to subsequently include them in intervention programs to improve their coping abilities and therefore increase their probability of aging successfully.