Sense of Mastery, Social Support and Health in Elderly Canadians

Title{Sense of Mastery, Social Support and Health in Elderly Canadians}
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsGadalla, T.
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
Volume21
Issue4
Pagination581 - 595
Date PublishedJune
Keywordselderly health mastery social support stress
Abstract

Objective This study aims to examine the structural relationships among sense of mastery (SOM), income level, social support, physical health, and stress in older Canadians, while controlling for demographic characteristics. Method This research uses data collected in the National Population Health Survey on Canadians aged 65 years and older (N = 1,399). Results Higher income predicts better health and more social support, which, in turn, predicts higher SOM. The relationship between physical health and stress is fully mediated through SOM for both genders. The SOM fully mediates the relationship between social support and stress for men and partially mediates this relationship for women. Discussion Findings confirm the importance of a network of social services targeting older persons with low income, diminished physical health, and/or those living alone.

URLhttp://jah.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/21/4/581
DOI10.1177/0898264309333318
Contract Number

1431

Document URL

http://jah.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/21/4/581

DatasetNPHS (National Population Health Survey)
Network Reference TypeRefereed Article
Research Data Centre (RDC)Toronto RDC