Psychosocial Resources and Constraints: Distinct Pathways to Positive and Negative Self-Perceptions of Aging in Diverse Older Adults.

Abstract

Objectives: Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) predict behavioral health outcomes in later life, yet whether positive and negative attitudes arise from distinct psychosocial pathways remain unclear. This study examined correlates of positive and negative SPA among diverse older adults.

Methods: Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N = 150; 30.7% born outside the United States) completed assessments of psychological, social, religious, health, and sociodemographic factors. Post-LASSO variable selection identified correlates of positive and negative Attitudes Toward Own Aging (ATOA) dimensions from 25 candidate variables.

Results: Positive and negative SPA reflected distinct yet related pathways. Purpose in life was most strongly associated with both dimensions. Positive SPA was uniquely associated with greater life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, and more frequent social contact. Negative SPA was uniquely associated with greater perceived constraints, less diverse social networks, and greater multimorbidity. Religious affiliation was associated with more positive SPA, whereas higher religiosity was associated with less positive and greater negative SPA. Nativity and race/ethnicity were not significantly associated with either dimension. Models explained 51.7% (R² = .517) and 42.4% (R² = .424) of variance, respectively (both ps < .001).

Conclusions: Findings support distinct psychosocial pathways underlying SPA, with implications for targeted behavioral health interventions in later life.

Clinical implications: Assessing positive and negative self-perceptions of aging separately may support more targeted clinical decision-making. Interventions may be strengthened by addressing both psychological resources and perceived constraints. Purpose in life may serve as a cross-cutting focus for assessment and intervention.