The relationship between health anxiety and psychological well-being of the elderly with the mediation of self-compassion

Maryam Nayebzadeh; Seyyed Ehsan Emadi

doi:10.63053/ijhes.114

Authors

Maryam Nayebzadeh Master's degree, Faculty of Psychology, General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Seyyed Ehsan Emadi Master's degree, Faculty of Psychology, General Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding author).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63053/ijhes.114

Keywords:

Self-compassion, health anxiety, psychological well-being and the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Given that people's attitude towards aging can lead to a sense of well-being, improved quality of life, and long-term health outcomes in old age; identifying modifiable factors before the onset of old age and in middle age can help to begin a positive old age. Self-compassion is one of the variables that promote well-being and life satisfaction in the elderly.

Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-correlation study that aimed to determine the relationship between self-compassion and health anxiety with psychological well-being in the elderly in Tehran in 1400-1399. The research population included all men and women aged 60 to 90 years living in Tehran who were referred to health centres in the west of Tehran. A total of 113 participants were selected using a stratified sampling method with allocation proportional to the number of referrals to the relevant centres. The research setting included health centres in the west of Tehran. The data collection tool was a 2-part questionnaire including a) the standard self-compassion questionnaire of Reis et al. (2011) short form and b) the health anxiety questionnaire of Salkoskis and Warwick (2002). The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling and Amos software.

Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the direct path coefficient between health anxiety and psychological well-being is negative (P=0.001). The direct path coefficient between self-compassion and psychological well-being (P=0.049) is positive and health anxiety and self-compassion (P=0.001) is negative. The indirect path coefficient between health anxiety and psychological well-being (P=0.043) is also positive.

Conclusion: Health anxiety reduces psychological well-being in the elderly by reducing self-compassion.

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