Testing continuity and activity variables as predictors of positive and negative affect in retirement.
This study tested predictions based on continuity and activity theories, examining effects of continuity and change in activity parameters on positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Retired men and women (N = 368) completed measures of everyday activities and affect, repeating the measures after 2 years. Continuity of activity parameters and affect was dominant, although number of activities decreased and ability in activities and NA increased. Changes in activity predicted changes in affect across time. Increased activity frequency, ability, ease, and future intentions predicted higher PA, and increased ability and ease in activity predicted lower NA. Maintaining same levels in activity parameters usually resulted in maintained PA. The results were interpreted as providing some support for both theories.
Pushkar
Dolores
D
Centre for Research in Human Development, Psychology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Dolores.Pushkar@Concordia.Ca
Chaikelson
June
J
Conway
Michael
M
Etezadi
Jamshid
J
Giannopoulus
Constantina
C
Li
Karen
K
Wrosch
Carsten
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology*; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011792:Quebec; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires