The Psychological Effects of Considering a Move into Residential Care: An Age-Related Study |
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| Authors: | Sarah J E Leggett Stephen Davies Syd Hiskey James A K Erskine |
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| Institution: | 1. Psychology Department , North Essex Partnership Foundation Trust , Colchester, Essex, UK;2. School of Psychology , University of Hertfordshire , Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK;3. North Essex Partnership Foundation Trust;4. Abberton Day Center , Colchester General Hospital , Colchester, Essex, UK;5. Division of Mental Health, St. George's , University of London , Cranmer Terrace, London, England |
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| Abstract: | This study employed a cross-sectional design to examine the psychological effects of considering a move into supported housing. It sought to explore the wistful “prefactual/counterfactual” evaluation of “if only” scenarios. A Time, Environment, Motivation, Personality, and Outcome (TEMPO) model was applied to investigate whether individuals moving closer in time to a prefactual scenario (a hypothetical vignette about two older adults facing a move toward residential care) expressed increased prefactual/counterfactual statements. Additional hypotheses explored the impact of personality and outcome. Thirty-three older adults (65 and older) and 33 adults (aged 18 to 64) were asked to write what could be better or worse about each scenario. The older-adult group generated a significantly higher number of counterfactual/prefactual statements. Effect sizes were medium-large. The implications of these findings, particularly concerning the emotional impact, were explored. |
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| Keywords: | counterfactual emotions decision making housing care |
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