Relationships between altruistic activity and positive and negative affect among low-income older adult service providers.
Self-reported altruistic activity was examined as a predictor of positive and negative affective states among a sample of 115 low-income older adults who were actively providing services to others within a federally subsidized service delivery program (Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions). Results indicated that altruistic activity was predictive of positive, but not negative affect. It was found that altruistic activity was a significant predictor of positive affect after controlling for relevant demographic variables including social support and income. The theoretical and clinical implications of this research are discussed.
Dulin
P L
PL
School of Psychology, Massey University, New Zealand. P.L.Dulin@Massey.ac.nz
Hill
R D
RD
D000339:Affect / Q000145:classification*; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology; D000533:Altruism; D001290:Attitude; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D003256:Community Participation; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce