title: Physical and mental health in later life: the self-system as mediator.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate how the self-system mediates the relationship between physical health and mental health in elderly women. Three theoretical perspectives were examined: social integration (self in relationship to the social structure), social comparisons (self in relationship to others), and self-discrepancies (internal self-evaluations). Community-dwelling elderly women (N = 243) completed self-report instruments measuring the various self-assessments, physical health, and 3 mental health outcomes: psychological distress, well-being, and developmental outcomes. Social integration and social comparisons mediated the effects of physical health on all 3 outcomes.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 53201.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Heidrich
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Ryff
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D012649:Self Concept; D012951:Socialization; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires