Examination of a theoretical model of psychological resilience in older age.
OBJECTIVE
This article integrates a number of theoretical perspectives and examines the concept of psychological resilience in older age. Drawing on the literature it is hypothesised that an overarching construct-resilience-accounts for the functioning of a number of psychological resources (self-esteem, personal competence and control).


METHODS
The factorial validity of the resources as indicators of resilience is tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The analyses focus on previously unexplored survey data drawn from a representative sample of people aged between 50 and 90 in England, Wales and Scotland (N=1847).


RESULTS
The results find a common factor (a higher-order model) provides the best explanation of the relationships between the resources, demonstrating an important first account for developing further work on this concept.


CONCLUSIONS
Exploring what might form the basis of resilience from a psychological perspective enables a deeper understanding of why some individuals can remain positive in difficult circumstances, particularly some of the challenges of ageing.
Windle
Gill
G
Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales, Bangor, UK. g.windle@bangor.ac.uk
Markland
David A
DA
Woods
Robert T
RT
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012606:Scotland; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014852:Wales