Stress, resources, and life satisfaction among older adults in Malaysia
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Hallym International Journal of Aging
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Volume
5
Issue
2
First Page
111
Last Page
129
Publisher
Baywood Pub. Co
Keywords
Aging, Informal and formal social support, Life satisfaction, Malaysia, Stress
Abstract
This article examines the relationships between chronic stress and depression, and between chronic stress, depression and life satisfaction among older adults in Malaysia. In addition, the effect of social support and health as resources is examined. Although research in the past has found that health could also be a consequence of a change in life stage, this study has limited the effect of health as a protective function. In addition, the effect of demographic variables: age, gender, and race, is tested to see if significant differences exist with respect to stress, depression, resources, and life satisfaction. Data analyses were based on a total of 645 responses collected from major urban areas in Malaysia. Research findings confirmed the hypothesized positive relationship between chronic stress and depression; and that chronic stress and depression were negatively correlated with life satisfaction. The hypothesized relationships between health and chronic stress, depression and life satisfaction were supported. Health was also found to have a mediating effect on chronic stress and life satisfaction. The hypothesized relationships between social support and chronic stress, depression and life satisfaction had mixed results. There was no evidence of the mediating effect of social support on chronic stress and life satisfaction. The three main racial groups in Malaysia differed significantly with respect to chronic stress, depression, and support received.
DOI
10.2190/U7VW-LGE2-F3Y2-XULB
Print ISSN
15356523
E-ISSN
15414485
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2003, Institute of Aging Studies
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Ong, F. S., & Phillips, D. R. (2003). Stress, resources, and life satisfaction among older adults in Malaysia. Hallym International Journal of Aging, 5(2), 111-129. doi: 10.2190/U7VW-LGE2-F3Y2-XULB