Stressors and Life Satisfaction in Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy.

Abstract

Objectives: Understanding the factors protecting life satisfaction in older adults despite stressors is central to late-life wellbeing. This study examined whether self-efficacy moderated the relationships between negative life events, hassles, and life satisfaction in older adults. Methods: The sample comprised 176 older adults aged 60 or above. Two moderation models were tested, controlling for gender, socioeconomic status and health status. Results: The negative relationship between adverse life event and life satisfaction was stronger for individuals with lower self-efficacy. There was no evidence that self-efficacy moderated the relationship between hassles and life satisfaction. Discussion: The study is the first to provide empirical evidence for the role of self-efficacy in buffering the association between negative life events and lower life satisfaction. Strategies to increase self-efficacy can be incorporated in interventions and policies to enhance resilience in this growing population.