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Longitudinal changes in coping strategies across midlife and older adulthood: findings from the midlife in the United States study

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Objectives Most studies examining age differences in coping across adulthood come from cross-sectional studies and focus on the broader categories of problem- and emotion-focused coping. We aimed to establish a factor structure for coping items used in a national, longitudinal study of aging (MIDUS) and examine age patterns in coping strategies over 10 years.Method We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and factorial invariance testing. Next we conducted a series of multilevel models for each coping factor with participants from waves II and III of the MIDUS study (N = 2,661, Mage = 55, 58% women, 84% White).Results We found a four-factor solution: instrumental action; denial/disengagement; positive reappraisal; focus and venting of emotions. Invariance was established across time and age. At baseline, age was positively associated with the use of three strategies, though younger adults used more focus and venting of emotions. There was an overall decrease over 10 years in use of all strategies, which was moderated by age. Positive reappraisal declined more steeply among midlife participants, whereas the remaining strategies declined more for older participants.Conclusion Results highlight the multi-dimensionality of MIDUS coping items and underscores the import of age in understanding changes in coping across midlife and older adulthood.
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2396066
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4401931552
FWCI: 4.891
Cites: 42
Cited by: 8
Related to: 10