Positive emotions, hope, and life satisfaction in Chinese older adults: An application of broaden-and-build model
Author(s)
Chan, Stephen Cheong Yu
Author(s)
Fung, C. K.
Huang, Q. L.
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
Sage Publications
Journal
The International Journal of Aging and Human Development
Volume
98
Issue
4
Start page
452
End page
468
Abstract
According to the broaden-and-build theory, positive emotions can broaden our awareness and build psychological resources, which leads to better psychological outcomes. Previous studies demonstrated that hope partially mediates the association between positive emotions and life satisfaction in college students. Yet, there has no similar model been tested among older adults. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the mediating role of hope agency and pathways in the association between positive emotions and life satisfaction. Three hundred and forty-one Chinese community-dwelling older adults (mean = 70.83, SD = 9.16) were asked to complete a survey questionnaire comprising measures assessing positive emotions, hope, life satisfaction, and other sociodemographic variables. Results showed that hope agency, but not hope pathways, partially mediated the relationship between positive emotions and life satisfaction. We discussed the importance of these initial findings concerning positive emotions and hope as predictors of life satisfaction in the older adult population.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes