Ageist attitudes and psychological distress in older adults: The moderating role of reflective functioning.

Ageist attitudes have been associated with various aspects of psychological functioning in older adults. According to Terror Management Theory, older adults may be seen as a reminder of human demise and death, and research has demonstrated links between ageist attitudes and compromised abilities to seek and maintain close personal relationships, which ward off awareness of one's mortality. Accordingly, the current work examined whether reflective functioning, or the ability to comprehend one's own and others' mental states, mitigates the negative psychological manifestations of ageist attitudes in older adults. Data was collected from 686 participants aged 60-94 (Mage = 72.64, SD = 6.28), who completed scales assessing ageist attitudes, reflective functioning, and psychological distress, as well as relevant socio-demographic information. Results indicated that ageist attitudes were linked with low levels of reflective functioning and enhanced psychological distress. Moreover, reflective functioning moderated the ageist attitudes-distress link, which was not significant in individuals reporting high levels of reflective functioning. This study provides insight into how the ability to comprehend others' mental states mitigates the adverse psychological effects of ageist attitudes and highlights the importance of examining relationship-enhancing personal factors within the context of negative ageing perceptions and psychological distress.

Traumatic stress, active engagement and resilience in first responders and civilians in the outbreak of war.

Background: The outbreak of war in Israel on 7 October and the unique events of that day have presented unprecedented challenges to first responders (FRs), who are professionally trained to engage in providing assistance in such circumstances. Moreover, while research demonstrates the long-term psychological consequences of FRs, little is known regarding how FR's engagement in providing assistance relates to stress and resilience levels as events continue to unfold.Objective: The current study examined the relationship between traumatic stress symptoms (TSS) and resilience levels among FRs and controls during the first weeks of the Iron Swords war, while focusing on the moderating role of active engagement in providing assistance.Method: Data were collected during the first month of the Iron Swords war from 374 participants living in Southern Israel, of whom 77 (20.6%) were FRs. All participants filled out scales assessing TSS and resilience and provided relevant background information.Results: High TSS levels were associated with reduced resilience in FRs and non-FRs. Moreover, both the study group and active engagement were significant moderators for the TSS-resilience link, which was insignificant among FRs who provided assistance and for civilians who did not provide assistance. However, the TSS-resilience association remained significant for FRs who did not engage in providing assistance and for civilians who did.Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of examining the extent to which FRs act in line with their duties during times of adverse stress. Clinical interventions aimed towards FRs who did not engage in providing assistance are needed and should focus on the extent to which their moral values, beliefs and expectations are met, as these appear critical parameters in preserving resilience.

First responders report increased traumatic stress and reduced resilience.Active engagement moderated first responders' traumatic stress­resilience link.Findings are discussed in the context of potentially morally injurious events.

Reflective Functioning and Financial Exploitation Vulnerability in Older Adults: The Importance of Significant Others.

OBJECTIVES: Financial exploitation of older adults results in devastating economic, social, and psychological losses to older adults, their families, and society at large. This study examined the relationship between reflective functioning and financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) and whether relationship status moderated the association. METHODS: A community-based sample of 156 Israeli older adults age 60 and over responded to demographic questions and questionnaires assessing reflective functioning and FEV. RESULTS: A hierarchical linear regression analysis covarying for age, sex, education, income, and sum of illnesses, revealed that higher reflective functioning was associated with lower FEV (p = .011). A main effect of relationship status was not found, but a significant interaction of reflective functioning × relationship status was discovered (p = .008), adding 4.2% to the total variance of the model. Probing the interaction revealed that the reflective functioning-FEV association was significant only for older adults not in a relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that low reflective functioning may be associated with increased risk of financial exploitation, specifically in certain populations of older adults. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Care providers of older adults may consider assessing for, and identifying older adults with low reflective functioning, in order to prevent or intervene in the event of a potentially exploitative situation.

Subjective Nearness-to-Death and COVID-19 Worries Among Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel: The Moderating Role of Israeli Identity and Sense of Community.

The Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel is characterized by close everyday contact and a strong sense of community. While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global uncertainty, fear, and fatalities, this group was particularly affected by the pandemic. Accordingly, the current study examines whether subjective nearness-to-death was associated with increased COVID-19 concerns, and whether Israeli identity and sense of community moderate this association. Data were gathered from 255 Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and results yielded a significant link between subjective nearness-to-death and COVID-19 worries, moderated by both moderators. Results are discussed in line with terror management theory, and theoretical/practical implications are suggested.

Subjective Age and Financial Exploitation Vulnerability: The Mediating Role of Financial Self-Efficacy.

An older subjective age, or feeling older than one's chronological age, has been associated with increased financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) among older adults. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship have not been examined. This study examined whether financial self-efficacy mediates the relationship between subjective age and FEV. Participants were 156 Israeli older adults (M age= 66.97, SD = 6.46) who responded to questionnaires of subjective age, FEV, and financial self-efficacy. Correlations indicated that an older subjective age was associated with reduced financial self-efficacy (r= -.36, p < .001) and increased FEV (r = .51, p < .001). Testing the mediation model revealed an indirect effect of subjective age on FEV via financial self-efficacy (b = 1.57; bootstrapped 95% Cis [.80, 2.39]). Findings suggest that an older subjective age may reduce financial self-efficacy, thereby increasing FEV. Findings are discussed with regard to Stereotype Embodiment Theory and clinical implications are suggested.

The mediating role of loneliness in the association between exposure to terror and psychological distress in older adults.

Terror attacks are known to bear detrimental effects on psychological distress in children, adolescents and young adults, but less is known about their influence on older adults. There is also evidence for increased loneliness following stressful events, but less is known about the mediating role of loneliness on the relation between terror attacks and psychological distress. The present study investigated the relation between exposure to terror attacks and psychological distress in older adults, as well as the potential mediating role of loneliness. Data were collected from 686 older adults (Mage= 73.49, SD= 6.02, range=65-94), who provided information regarding exposure to terror, loneliness, and psychological distress. Exposure to terror was positively associated with loneliness, which was, in turn, positively associated with psychological distress. Moreover, the link between terror exposure and psychological distress was mediated by loneliness. Our findings demonstrate the relation between exposure to terror and psychological distress in old age and suggest that loneliness contributes to this association.

Subjective Age and Loneliness in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Attachment Patterns.

Loneliness in older adults has been associated with a myriad of undesirable physical and psychological consequences, as well as with negative age and aging perceptions. However, little is known regarding the effect of individual differences in the ability to seek, maintain, and benefit from close relationships in this context. Accordingly, we examined the associations between subjective age (i.e., how old/young one feels vis-à-vis his/her chronological age; SA), attachment patterns, and loneliness. Data were collected from 840 older adults in Israel (Mage = 74.75, SD = 5.50, range = 67-94), who provided information pertaining to SA, attachment anxiety/avoidance, and loneliness. Loneliness was associated with an older SA, as well as with high levels of attachment anxiety/avoidance. Moreover, the association between SA and loneliness was nullified for individuals with low levels of attachment anxiety/avoidance. The discussion highlights the importance of both age perceptions and attachment patterns for understanding the underlying mechanisms of late-life loneliness.

The Association between Ageist Attitudes, Subjective Age, and Financial Exploitation Vulnerability Among Older Adults.

Ageism, or age-based negative stereotypes, prejudice, and/or discriminatory behaviors toward older adults, has been linked with various detrimental physical and psychological consequences. The current study examined the relevance of ageist attitudes to financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) among older adults and investigated whether feeling older than one's chronological age (i.e., older subjective age) moderated the ageist attitudes-FEV association. 230 participants (M age = 72.08, SD = 5.74) filled out scales assessing ageist attitudes, subjective age, and provided relevant sociodemographic information. High levels of ageist attitudes and an older subjective age were associated with increased FEV. Moreover, the ageist attitudes-FEV association was significantly stronger among participants reporting an older subjective age. The results highlight the importance of taking into account ageism and subjective age in order to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms which render older adults vulnerable to financial exploitation. Practical and empirical implications are discussed.

Sense of community, meaning in life, and satisfaction with life among Ultra-Orthodox Jews: A mediation model.

The Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, characterized by close-knit ties and strong community values, has been particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, both epidemiologically and socially. Accordingly, the current study examined whether the connection between the sense of community and life satisfaction in this population is mediated by meaning in life (MIL). Three hundred and fifty-eight Ultra-Orthodox participants (age range: 30-70; M = 49.50, SD = 10.24) filled out scales assessing MIL, sense of community, and satisfaction with life (SWL), as well as sociodemographic and COVID-19-related scales. Sense of community was linked with increased MIL and life satisfaction. Moreover, the connection between sense of community and life satisfaction was mediated by MIL. This study highlights the roles of sense of community and MIL for Ultra-Orthodox individuals and emphasizes the importance of both concepts for maintaining SWL during COVID-19. Practical implications for Ultra-Orthodox communities are suggested.

Parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic: Post-traumatic growth amongst university students.

This study sought to investigate a positive dimension of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, that of post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study investigated coping difficulties and PTG amongst parent and nonparent students in Israeli Universities. A total of 4022 parents (3648 Jews and 374 Palestinian-Arab Citizens [PACs]) and 14,651 nonparents (12,010 Jews and 2641 PACs) completed measures of coping, social support and PTG. Parents demonstrated significantly higher levels of coping and PTG. Amongst parents, fathers coped slightly better than mothers; however, while Jewish mothers demonstrated greater PTG than Jewish fathers, PAC fathers had significantly greater PTG than both PAC mothers and Jewish parents. These findings, while specific to COVID-19, indicate that PTG should be studied in greater depth in different ethnic and minority groups in order to develop enhanced understanding and facilitate promotion of post-traumatic growth, in addition to the prevention of COVID-19-related distress.

The association between subjective age and financial exploitation vulnerability among older adults: The moderating role of social support.

Financial exploitation of older adults bears detrimental physical and psychological consequences. However, risk factors of financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) remain elusive. In line with a growing awareness of the importance of subjective perceptions of the aging process for older adults' functioning and well-being, this study examined the connection between subjective age (feeling younger/older than one's chronological age) and FEV, and the moderating effect of social support on this connection. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 137 Israeli older adults (age range 60-89, M = 69.90, SD = 6.85), who completed scales of FEV, subjective age, and social support, as well as relevant socio-demographic information. Older subjective age was associated with increased FEV when social support was low, but not when social support was high. Results are discussed in line with Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory and provide initial information pertaining to the relevance of subjective age perceptions to FEV in older adults.

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Anxiety in Middle-Aged and Older Jews and Arabs in Israel: The Moderating Roles of Ethnicity and Subjective Age.

Subjective age (i.e., feeling younger/older than one's chronological age) plays a significant role in older minority group members' psychological well-being. In light of the importance of vaccinations for fighting COVID-19, it is unclear whether ethnicity and subjective age moderate the connection between receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and anxiety in Israel. Jewish (n = 198) and Arab older adults (n = 84) provided information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, subjective age, and anxiety symptoms, as well as additional socio-demographic and COVID-19-related health factors (age range= 40-100, M = 62.5, SD = 12.34). Results demonstrated that feeling older was associated with increased anxiety (p < .001) and that vaccinations were linked to increased anxiety among Jews (p < .05). Moreover, the association between COVID-19 vaccinations and anxiety was significant only among Jewish participants with an older subjective age (p < .05). We stress the importance of examining cultural diversities regarding the contribution of subjective age in the context of COVID-19 and psychological well-being.

Subjective Nearness-To-Death and Retirement Anxiety Among Older Workers: A Three-Way Interaction With Work Group Identification.

Retirement anxiety represents a major challenge for older workers who hold negative expectations and concerns regarding the consequences of their future retirement. Although prior studies suggest that retirement is an age-related transition that may serve as a reminder that life is nearing its end, little is known about how subjective nearness-to-death is related to retirement anxiety, and the role of work group identification as a boundary condition. The current study draws on terror management and social identity theories to hypothesize and investigate these relationships. A three-way interaction model was tested on a sample of 327 Israeli older workers. We found a positive association between subjective nearness-to-death and retirement anxiety. Further, we demonstrated that the positive relationship between subjective nearness-to-death and retirement anxiety was more prominent for older workers whose work group self-definition and self-investment were both high or were both low. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Do Work-Related Factors Moderate the Association Between Subjective Nearness-to-Death and Psychological Distress?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased existential concerns, as well as with significant changes in the work force. The current study examined the availability of meaning in work and belonging to a work group as personal resources which may mitigate psychological distress associated with feeling close to death. Data were collected from 450 working Israelis, and results indicated that the connection between feeling close to death and distress was not significant for individuals reporting high levels of belonging and meaning. Implications are discussed from the perspective of Terror Management Theory.

Vaccination anxiety when vaccinations are available: The role of existential concerns.

This study examined how existential fears are related to COVID-19 vaccination anxiety and followed the Terror Management Theory (TMT) by examining the contribution of two existential concerns, subjective nearness-to-death (SNtD) and death anxiety, to COVID-19 vaccination anxiety during the first month of COVID-19 vaccinations. Data were collected during January 2021, when Israel was in lockdown, from a convenience sample of 381 Jewish Israelis (M = 55.39, SD = 17.17). Participants completed questionnaires examining demographics, SNtD, death anxiety and COVID-19 vaccination anxiety. A hierarchical regression analysis examined the connections between these variables and COVID-19 vaccination anxiety while controlling for demographics and for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. In line with the hypotheses, SNtD and death anxiety were each positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination anxiety, and death anxiety levels moderated the positive connection between SNtD and COVID-19 vaccination anxiety, as this association was not significant for individuals with low death anxiety. The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence concerning the role of death anxiety in moderating the effect that SNtD has on COVID-19 vaccination anxiety. These findings are in line with the TMT and justify further investigation and may be utilized in future research in order to address COVID-19 vaccination anxiety more effectively.

Ageism and Psychological Distress in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem and Body Image.

Ageist attitudes have been associated with negative physical consequences and psychological distress among older adults. Although holding a positive self-image and body image contributes to well-being among older adults, their combined effect on the consequences of ageism has not been examined. Accordingly, the current study examines the moderating role of both variables on the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults. Data were collected from 383 older adults (age range = 60-90; M = 71.44; SD = 6.62), who filled out scales assessing ageism, self-esteem, body image, and psychological distress. Psychological distress was associated with reduced self-esteem and body image. In line with the moderation hypothesis, the ageism-distress link remained significant only for individuals with low levels of both self-esteem and body image. The discussion highlights the relevance of both self-esteem and body image as important personal resources which may buffer the connection between ageism and psychological distress among older adults.

Retirement anxiety and depressive symptoms among middle-aged adults: An indirect effect through death anxiety.

Basing our argument on Terror Management Theory, we posit that retirement is an age-related transition, which could result in greater death saliency and anxiety, leading to increased depressive symptoms. An indirect-effect model was tested on a convenience sample of 574 Israeli Jewish older workers (mean age = 57), finding that the link between retirement anxiety and depressive symptoms is mediated through death anxiety. Anxious anticipation of retirement could imply that the individual perceives it as an "end," resulting in greater death saliency and death anxiety, which are related to poorer mental health. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

COVID-19 related difficulties and perceived coping among university and college students: the moderating role of media-related exposure and stress.

Background: University and college students are not usually identified as a population at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, there is growing evidence of their specific distress associated with facing multiple abrupt changes and the need for rapid adaptation to a variety of academic, social, and financial challenges. The extent of their exposure to COVID-19 media and the associated media-related stress may further impair students' perceived coping. Objective: This study assessed COVID-19-related functional difficulties and perceived coping among higher education students in Israel and explored the moderating role played by media coverage of the pandemic in inducing stress and exacerbating COVID-19-related difficulties in perceived coping among students. Method: Data was collected from 7,446 students from seven academic centres in Israel through online questionnaires about four to six weeks after the outbreak of the pandemic in Israel. Results: The findings showed positive associations between COVID-19-related difficulties, media exposure, media-related stress, and decreased levels of perceived coping with the pandemic. Moreover, media-related stress (but not the level of media exposure) moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related difficulties and perceived coping: the associations were significantly stronger for students reporting high media-related stress in comparison to individuals reporting low media-related stress. Conclusions: These results highlight the specific role of media-related stress and the need to distinguish this risk factor from the global impact of exposure to media coverage. The need for self-monitoring of the subjective level of stress associated with media exposure should be part of the psychoeducation efforts provided by public health authorities for promoting self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antecedentes: Los estudiantes universitarios generalmente no se identifican como una población en riesgo durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Sin embargo, existe una creciente evidencia de angustia específica asociada con enfrentar cambios abruptos múltiples y la necesidad de una rápida adaptación a una variedad de desafíos académicos, sociales y financieros. El alcance de la exposición a los medios de comunicación acerca del COVID-19, y el estrés relacionado a esta exposición, pueden afectar aún más a los estudiantes universitarios en sus estrategias de afrontamiento percibidas.Objetivo: Este estudio evaluó las dificultades funcionales relacionadas con el COVID-19 y el afrontamiento percibido entre los estudiantes de educación superior en Israel y exploró el papel moderador que desempeña la cobertura mediática de la pandemia para inducir estrés y exacerbar las dificultades relacionadas con el COVID-19 en el afrontamiento percibido entre los estudiantes.Método: Se recopilaron datos de 7.446 estudiantes de siete centros académicos en Israel a través de cuestionarios en línea entre cuatro y seis semanas después del estallido de la pandemia en Israel.Resultados: Los hallazgos mostraron asociaciones positivas entre las dificultades relacionadas con COVID-19, la exposición a los medios, el estrés relacionado con los medios y la disminución del nivel de afrontamiento percibido con la pandemia. Además, el estrés relacionado con los medios (pero no el nivel de exposición a los medios) moderó la relación entre las dificultades relacionadas con COVID-19 y el afrontamiento percibido: las asociaciones fueron significativamente más fuertes para los estudiantes que informaron un alto estrés relacionado con los medios en comparación con las personas que informaron un bajo nivel de estrés mediático relacionado.Conclusiones: Estos resultados destacan el papel específico del estrés relacionado con los medios y la necesidad de distinguir este factor de riesgo del impacto global de la exposición a la cobertura de los medios. La necesidad de autocontrol del nivel subjetivo de estrés asociado con la exposición a los medios debe ser parte de los esfuerzos de psicoeducación brindados por las autoridades de salud pública para promover el autocuidado durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Activity engagement and psychological distress among Holocaust survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic may pose a specific threat for Holocaust survivors, as such threats may be linked with increased psychological distress. Moreover, research has demonstrated that engaging in planful problem-solving activities is associated with reduced distress. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the link between engaging in activities during COVID-19 and psychological distress among Holocaust survivors with varying levels of post-traumatic symptoms (PTS) and comparisons (not directly exposed to the Holocaust). DESIGN: A cross-sectional design composed of Holocaust survivors and a comparison group. SETTING: Participants were interviewed face-to-face, over the telephone, or filled the scales online at their leisure. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 131 older Jewish Israelis (age range 76-94, M = 82.73, SD = 4.09), who were divided into three groups (comparisons; low-PTS survivors; high-PTS survivors). MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed scales assessing PTS, activity engagement, and psychological distress and provided additional sociodemographic, medical, and COVID-19-related information. RESULTS: When activity engagement was low, high-PTS survivors reported extremely high levels of psychological distress relative to low-PTS survivors and comparisons. However, when activity engagement was high, these group differences were considerably reduced, as the psychological distress of high-PTS survivors was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of daily planning and activity engagement for Holocaust survivors with high PTS levels in reducing psychological distress. Clinicians are urged to take this factor into account when dealing with the psychological effects of COVID-19 on survivors and on traumatized older adults in general.

Aging anxiety, loneliness, and depressive symptoms among middle-aged adults: The moderating role of ageism.

BACKGROUND: Aging anxiety, or fears and concerns regarding one's future aging, have been shown to take a toll on older adults' health and well-being, including loneliness and depressive symptoms. However, little is known about the possible consequences that aging anxiety holds for middle-aged adults. The current study examines the relationship between aging anxiety and both loneliness and depressive symptoms in a sample of middle-aged adults. It further examines whether ageism, or negative attitudes toward older adults, which have been associated with increased aging anxiety, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, moderates the connections between these variables. It was hypothesized that for those with higher ageist perceptions, the psychological toll of aging anxiety will be greater. METHODS: A convenience sample of 1038 participants (age range = 50-67, M=58.16, SD=5.22) was collected using online questionnaires assessing aging anxiety, ageism, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Aging anxiety was positively associated with loneliness and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, ageism moderated these relationships, such that they were stronger for those with a higher level of ageism. LIMITATIONS: A cross-sectional design; an internet survey consisting of a non-clinical, healthy cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to the clinical importance of addressing aging anxiety and negative attitudes in middle-aged adults with regard to loneliness and depression. The study provides clinicians with additional information regarding the formation and psychological consequences of aging anxiety with regard to how individuals perceive older adults and the aging process.