Resilience, Physical Performance Measures, and Self-Perceived Physical and Mental Health in Older Catholic Nuns

Abstract

Maintaining functional ability and recovering when physical injury is experienced is of great importance in older adults. It is reasonable for physical therapists to consider both resilience and physical performance measures when attempting to identify older women at risk for poor outcomes. Resilience may play a role in helping older adults recover from a physical injury.

Is Psychological Resilience Associated With Physical Recovery in Older Adults?

“…Thus, an interprosfessional study involving nursing and physical therapy investigated the relationship between resilience level and specifi c physical performance measures, perceived health status, and depressive symptoms in a sample of older Catholic nuns. 28 Overall, the participants in this study were found to have moderate resilience levels as measured by the Resilience Scale. 28 Participants who reported more depressive symptoms were found to have lower resilience levels, and this relationship is consistent with other studies.…”

“…28 Overall, the participants in this study were found to have moderate resilience levels as measured by the Resilience Scale. 28 Participants who reported more depressive symptoms were found to have lower resilience levels, and this relationship is consistent with other studies. 15 , 20 , 22 In addition, good physical health and fewer depressive symptoms were associated with higher resilience levels.…”

“…15 , 20 , 22 In addition, good physical health and fewer depressive symptoms were associated with higher resilience levels. 28 Participants with higher resilience levels reported better physical health. Since better physical health is a protective asset, this fi nding is not surprising.…”

“…36 Performing a resilience assessment on patients who are receiving physical rehabilitation after surgery or an injury is so strong, the health care provider should address both when helping a patient recover from a physical injury or surgery. Resilience is positively associated with strong selfperceived physical and mental health, fast gait speed, 28 hopefulness, 23 and positive emotions 5 , 12 and negatively associated with pain catastrophizing. 12 Research is needed to establish the effectiveness of interventions that promote resilience to help patients recover from adversity, including recovering from physical injuries or surgery.…”

Resilience in the First Episode of Major Depressive Disorder

“…This is a dynamic process that is influenced by life events and challenges [10]. According to Wells et al [11], resilience comprises three groups of attribute pairs: competence and adversity, resources and risks, and protection processes and vulnerability. Most have viewed resilience as a stress-coping ability in the face of adversity.…”