The Association Among Aging-related Stereotype, Family Function, and Healthy Behavior in Middle-aged Korean
Year: 2018
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Midlife adults are confronted with multifaceted symptoms accompanied by a natural transition to older age. Aging-related stereotype may affect interpretation of symptoms and behaviors to improve health. Healthy behaviors and family function are critical aspects in preparing for healthy aging and the quality of life in midlife and beyond. The purpose of this study was to examine the association among aging-related stereotype, family function, and healthy behavior, with a specific focus on the mediating effect of family function in the relationship between aging-related stereotype and healthy behaviors in middle-aged Korean. This is a cross-sectional correlational study. Data of 246 middle-aged adults (M age=50.1) were collected through a self-administered survey and analyzed using a SPSS 22.0 macro bootstrap model. Aging-related stereotype was a significant predictor for family function(β= -.130, p=.008) and family function significantly affected healthy behavior(β=.320, p<.000), after adjusting for gender, education, subjective health, and chronic illnesses. It was found that aging-related stereotype had a significant indirect effect on healthy behavior through family function(Index = -.04, bootstrapped 95% CI=-.087 to .-010), indicating a mediating effect of family function. The findings indicate that midlife adults with more aging-related stereotypes were likely to perceive poorer family function that eventually lead to less healthy behavior. Our findings emphasize the importance of assessing aging-related stereotype of midlife adults. Also, supportive family function should be highlighted in that it could buffer negative impact of aging-related stereotype on healthy behavior. Developing psycho-cognitive interventions to modify aging-related stereotype and to strengthen interaction between family members is warranted.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Author: H Yeom
Institution: Chungnam National University
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2901740645