Applied Research in Quality of Life最新文献

Attitudes toward retirement refer to individuals’ thoughts about their life in retirement, and how it is or will be during retirement. Previous research examined the effects of a single dimension of intergenerational relationships on attitude toward retirement, while the impacts of multidimensional intergenerational relationships remain underexplored. This study examines the relationship between multidimensional intergenerational relationships and attitudes toward retirement with a person-centered approach. Data were from 776 Chinese adults aged 50 and older. Intergenerational relationships were measured using the Intergenerational Relationship Quality Scale for Aging Chinese Parents (IRQS-AP). Attitudes toward retirement were measured by the Attitudes toward Retirement Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the typologies of intergenerational relationships. The association between intergenerational relationship typologies and attitudes toward retirement were examined using OLS regression. Four intergenerational types were identified: tight–knit, distant–harmonious, ambivalent, and detached–conflicted. Middle-aged and older adults who were distant–harmonious, tight–knit, and ambivalent were associated with a more positive attitude toward retirement than those who were detached–conflicted. The protective effects were more evident in families with a single son. Cultivating harmonious and intimate intergenerational relationships could improve attitudes toward retirement. Intervention programs could be developed to reduce gender preference gaps in aged care and deliver adequate care services for one-child families.

This research explored the impact of financial stress, psychological factors, and financial knowledge/education on life satisfaction using a cross-sectional analysis of data from 2019 to 2023. Data from a national online survey in the U.S. indicate a nuanced relationship where the physiological and relational components of financial stress, alongside higher self-esteem and financial education, contribute positively to life satisfaction. In contrast, a higher level of objective financial knowledge is negatively associated with life satisfaction. These findings suggest a nuanced interplay of psychological characteristics with life satisfaction in the face of global disruptions such as COVID-19.

Trust is integral to the successful execution of social interactions and market transactions. This study investigates the role of the clan system in shaping trust formation. In the context of China, the results show that the clan system significantly attenuates generalized trust. One additional genealogy per million people leads to a 4.03% decrease in individuals’ generalized trust. The clan system serves as a united force in individuals’ particularized trust toward clan members and serves as a splitting force in their particularized trust toward outsiders. These findings address the strong vitality of the clan system and its significant impact on modern Chinese society.

Regional variations in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggest non-uniform impacts on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) across the US. This study measured regional variations in US population-level HRQoL during COVID-19. HRQoL was measured by the EQ-5D-5L in a three-wave cross-sectional online survey (spring 2020, summer 2020, winter 2021). Adjusted likelihood of any problems in EQ-5D-5L domains and adjusted mean utility and EQ-VAS were estimated and compared between US Census Bureau-designated region-divisions and waves. Regional variations were significant (p < 0.05) in all domains except Pain/Discomfort in spring 2020, Mobility in summer 2020, and Anxiety/Depression in winter 2021. In spring 2020, East South Central (ESC) had the most Mobility (38%) and Usual Activities (66%) problems, while Self-Care problems were greatest in Mountain (53%), and Anxiety/Depression greatest in East North Central (ENC, 72%) and West North Central (80%). In summer 2020, Self-Care problems were again greatest in Mountain (62%), while ENC saw the most Usual Activities (69%), Pain/Discomfort (67%), and Anxiety/Depression (83%) problems. By winter 2021, ESC had the most problems in Mobility (52%), Self-Care (79%), and Pain/Discomfort (79%), with Usual Activities (68%) only second to Middle Atlantic (69%). Both mean utility and EQ-VAS were significantly lowest in ESC in spring 2020 and winter 2021. Otherwise, utility and EQ-VAS trends generally disagreed. HRQoL varied considerably across regions, often worst in ESC. Variation was likely driven by multiple factors including case rates, policies, and preexisting vulnerabilities; these relationships should be explored in future research. Findings support the need for region-specific health interventions.

This study explores post traumatic growth (PTG) and quality of life among Black communities in the Florida panhandle who experienced Hurricane Michael. Using qualitative design, in-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with 25 Black adults between 18 and 70 years. Initial and focused coding was done using Nvivo14 software. A thematic analysis guided by the PTG framework revealed five main themes. Three of the identified themes aligned with the PTG framework: (1) Relating to others demonstrated by community resilience and solidarity, (2) New possibilities demonstrated by revitalizing the Community, and (3) Spiritual development shown by the key role faith played in overcoming hardship. Additionally, two important themes emerged that are not present in the PTG framework but very relevant to the Black community: (4) Recognizing systemic discrimination and (5) Avoidance and denial as a coping mechanism for loss. The findings highlight the crucial role of community-centered approaches in fostering PTG among Black communities. By emphasizing communal experiences and shared recovery journeys, the findings challenge the prevalent individualistic perspective on PTG, thus suggesting the importance of addressing trauma as a collective social phenomenon to effectively support recovery in Black communities. To foster PTG among Black communities, it’s crucial to address systemic discrimination through interventions that extend beyond individual recovery. Disaster programs and mental health services must incorporate cultural considerations, ensure equitable disaster relief, advocate for impartial policy changes, and create educational programs for community empowerment.

Research on Quality of Life (QOL) encompasses a variety of dimensions, with some studies examining the factors that influence QOL and others focusing on methods to enhance it. One of the challenges in this field is understanding how to improve QOL across different economic contexts. Within this spectrum, capability stands out as a key determinant of QOL. The substantial correlation between capability and QOL has been established by numerous previous studies. This research primarily explores aspects related to capability. The goals of this study were manifold. First, we aimed to investigate the link between poverty and various capability variables. Second, we intended to assess the relationship between capability and QOL. The third objective was to introduce grit as a mediator in the capability-QOL relationship. Lastly, we explored the comparison between two classes within the overall model. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that capability variables do have an impact on QOL in the baseline model. However, when comparing models, the one representing individuals under the poverty line showed no significant relationship between capability and QOL. The introduction of a mediation variable led to the identification of a fully mediated model in the context of poverty within this study. The distinctive contribution of this research is highlighted by the mediation findings between the two models, underscoring the nuanced interplay between capability, grit, and QOL in the backdrop of economic challenges.

Well-being has been described as a multifaceted concept that is not easy to summarize in a single measure, especially across different generations. Questions remain regarding the factors constituting well-being across generations and whether these factors are weighed differently. This study explores these generational discrepancies in well-being perceptions using Q-methodology. Participants (N = 176) in Taiwan, categorized as older adults (53) and young adults (123), ranked statements representing various well-being factors. Analysis identified five distinct viewpoints across both generations, which were (1) physical health and spiritual harmony, (2) interpersonal relationships, sufficient income, and health (3) personal health, financial stability, inner peace, and goals (4) fulfillment and life satisfaction, and (5) personal achievement-centric well-being, signifying the multifaceted nature of well-being priorities across age groups. Notably, older adults showed a strong consensus on viewpoints emphasizing physical well-being and social connections, while younger adults placed greater weight on a broader range of well-being factors including financial security, inner peace, and goal achievement. Cultural influences were also evident in the rankings. These findings highlight the need for well-being measures and policies that cater to the diverse needs of different generations. Future research should explore the prevalence of these viewpoints, their connection to individual characteristics, and how they evolve over time and in different socio-economic contexts, potentially reflecting changing societal values.

Researchers have long been interested in the impact of poverty on life satisfaction, as well as in the buffering role of religion within this association. However, longitudinal evidence is limited, leaving uncertainties about how religion buffers this association, especially concerning the subjective aspect of poverty and in non-Christian-dominant societies. This study used two-wave panel data from Hong Kong (N = 1,006), where more than half of the population identifies as having no religion and all major world faiths coexist peacefully. We employed the cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) to examine the longitudinal associations between economic poverty, subjective poverty, and life satisfaction while exploring the buffering effect of religion. The results of CLPM showed that subjective poverty had a long-term negative impact on life satisfaction, highlighting the pivotal role of social comparison in influencing individuals’ life satisfaction. Furthermore, religion was found to buffer the temporal association between subjective poverty and life satisfaction; this buffering effect persists within religious groups, regardless of religious attendance. This paper highlights the significance of subjective poverty in influencing life satisfaction and contributes to our understanding of whether and how religion matters to people’s life satisfaction among those experiencing poverty.