Socioemotional selectivity and mental health among trauma survivors in old age

Isaacowitz, Derek M.; Smith, Timothy B.; Carstensen, Laura L.

doi:10.1007/s12126-003-1023-7

Cited by 16 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 33 publications

(32 reference statements)

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“…These support groups are especially important to many aging veterans who saw heavy combat or were imprisoned and who tend not to discuss traumatic memories with their spouses or children (Hunt and Robbins 2001b), thereby creating an important expressive outlet for these veterans. This seems consistent with theories of "socioemotional selectivity" in old age, which suggest that individuals who nurture fewer but more meaningful social relationships in old age have higher psychological well-being (Isaacowitz, Smith, and Carstensen 2003). Yet for these veterans, one also wonders whether more restricted but intimate networks populated by individuals in distress may also place their socioemotional lives at risk.…”

Section: Marriage Family and Friendshipssupporting

confidence: 88%

When Nations Call

Settersten

2006

Res Aging

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Most scholarship on aging is based on cohorts born early in the 20th century, and these cohorts have had significant experience with war. Wartime experiences may therefore be critical but largely hidden variables underlying current scientific knowledge about aging. Evidence marshaled in this article illustrates the powerful insights gained when research on this topic is guided by lifecourse propositions and data. It reveals how wartime military service, especially during World War II, affected the short- and long-ranging development of recruits. It also highlights the need to better account for the potential legacies of service for physical, psychological, and social functioning in late life. These matters will become increasingly important as sizable World War II and Korean veteran populations move through advanced old age, and as the Vietnam veteran population moves into old age. Systematic attention to the effects of wartime service is necessary to determine the degree to which contemporary knowledge about aging can be generalized to future cohorts.

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Section: Marriage Family and Friendshipssupporting

confidence: 88%

When Nations Call

Settersten

2006

Res Aging

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“…Alternatively, these friendships may no longer be available to older veterans. Due to natural changes during life, veterans may lose family and comrades who may have helped them cope (Hunt and Robbins, 2001), or there may be a natural reduction in the size of social networks (Isaacowitz et al, 2003). Difficulties may emerge in later life around retirement when, once again, social networks may be lost or reduced (Allen, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the suitability and acceptability of peer support for older veterans

Burnell

Needs

Gordon

2017

QAOA

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Purpose Informal social support is often sought by veterans to support reminiscence or cope with traumatic memories. However, it can also encourage unhelpful ways of coping, such as avoidance, or may be absent altogether. This project is borrowed from the growing peer support literature. The purpose of this paper is to explore the suitability of peer support services to enhance the wellbeing for older veterans, when naturally occurring support is absent or unhelpful. Design/methodology/approach This was a sequentially staged research programme involving a scoping review of current practice and evidence, and a consultation with veterans. In total, ten veterans (nine male, one female) took part in the consultation (M=66 years). Findings Peer support was considered suitable, particularly in addressing loneliness and social isolation. There was an understandable concern regarding its use with more complex issues such as trauma. An added issue was the implicit assumption that this consultation concerned transition; supporting younger veteran as they move from military to civilian life. This mirrored the focus of current UK policy and affected the focus of the consultation. Issues were also raised around the sustainability of services more broadly. Social implications Peer support is appropriate in supporting older veterans, but must be implemented in a sustainable way. Raising awareness of the needs of older veterans in older adult services is an important implication for service development and delivery. Originality/value There is a considerable lack of research concerning older veterans, particularly concerning their formal and informal social support needs. This paper addresses the current gap in the literature.

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“…Some reductions in network size are not freely chosen; loss of relationships to death, incapacity, or relocation are common (Rook, 2009). Moreover, although older adults strive to preserve emotionally meaningful relationships, not all meaningful ties are positive ones (Isaacowitz, Smith, & Carstensen, 2003). Both social isolation and negative relationships contribute to increased depressive symptoms among older adults, and depression is strongly associated with morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, in addition to being undesirable itself (e.g., Bock et al, 2017).…”

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confidence: 99%