Family functioning and negative emotions in older adults: the mediating role of self-integrity and the moderating role of self-stereotyping

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine a possible mediator role of self-integrity and a moderator role of self-stereotyping in the relationship between family functioning and negative emotions in older adults.

Method: A total of 1186 older adults participated in the current study. They completed measures related to family functioning, self-integrity, self-stereotyping, depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Results: Older adults with family dysfunction experienced more negative emotions than those with healthy family functioning, a finding which could be explained by the levels of self-integrity. Older adults with high levels of self-stereotyping, unhealthy family functioning, and low self-integrity were significantly more likely to be depressed and anxious than those with low levels of self-stereotyping.

Conclusion: Family functioning negatively predicted negative emotions, self-integrity mediated the link between family functioning and negative emotions, and self-stereotyping moderated the direct and indirect effects of family functioning on depression and anxiety via self-integrity.

Keywords: Family functioning; negative emotions; self-integrity; self-stereotyping.