Advertisement

Social Adaptation in Older Adults

  • William Harry Pettibon
  • Vincent B. Van Hasselt
  • Michel Hersen
Chapter
Part of the The Springer Series in Adult Development and Aging book series (SSAD)

Abstract

The phenomenon of aging has long been of interest to observers of human behavior. The systematic and empirical study of the process and behavioral effects of aging, however, has burgeoned dramatically over the past quarter of a century. A primary reason for such increased interest in our older population is that substantially more people are living longer. Indeed, in the early 1900s, the average male life-span was 45 years; today, it exceeds 72 years. Further, persons 65 years and older comprise almost 13% of the population; based on current population trends and continuing medical advances, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (1976) predicts that 50% of the population could be middle aged or older by the year 2100 (see also U.S. Bureau of Census, 1993). Also, by the year 2010, the number of Americans over age 85 is projected to double (White House Domestic Policy Council, 1993). Aside from increased longevity, today’s older adults are healthier, wealthier, better educated, and more politically active than at any previous point in history (Neugarten, 1974).

Keywords

Social Skill Social Cognition Interpersonal Skill Geriatric Depression Scale Social Skill Training 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Abrahams, R., & Patterson, R. (1979). Psychological distress among the community elderly: Prevalence, characteristics, and implications for service. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 1, 1–18.Google Scholar
  2. Atchley, R. C. (1977). The social forces in later life: An introduction to social gerontology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.Google Scholar
  3. Bahr, S. J., & Peterson, E. T. (1989). Aging and the family. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.Google Scholar
  4. Ballesteros, R. F. Izal, M., Diaz, P., Gonzalez, J. L., & Souto, E. (1988). Training of conversational skills with institutionalized elderly: A preliminary study. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 66, 923–926.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. Bandura, A. (1982). Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 37, 122–147.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  6. Bellack, A. S. (1994). Treatment of chronically mentally ill patients. Workshop presented at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.Google Scholar
  7. Bellack, A. S., Hersen, M. (Eds.). (1979). Research and practice in social skills training. New York: Plenum Press.Google Scholar
  8. Bellack, A. S., & Hersen, M., & Himmelhoch, J. M. (1996). Social skills training for depression: A treatment manual. In V. B. Van Hasselt & M. Hersen (Eds.), Sourcebook of psychological treatment manuals for adult disorders. New York: Plenum Press.Google Scholar
  9. Bennett, R. (1973). Living conditions and everyday needs of the elderly with particular reference to social isolation. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 4, 179–198.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  10. Bennett, R. (1980). Aging, isolation, and resocialization. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.Google Scholar
  11. Berger, R. M. (1979). Training the institutionalized elderly in interpersonal skills. Social Work, 24, 420–423.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  12. Berger, R. M., & Rose, S. D. (1977). Interpersonal skill training with institutionalized elderly patients. Journal of Gerontology, 32, 346–352.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  13. Blazer, D. (1982). Depression in late life. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby.Google Scholar
  14. Busse, E.W. (1992). Quality of life: Affect and mood in late life. In M. Bergener, K. Hasegawa, S. Finkel, & T. Nishimura (Eds.), Aging and mental disorders: International perspectives (pp. 38–55). New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  15. Busse, E.W., & Maddox, E. L. (1985). The Duke longitudinal studies of normal aging: Overview of history, design, and findings. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  16. Busse, E.W., & Pfeiffer, E. (1973). Mental illness in later life. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.Google Scholar
  17. Busse, E.W., & Pfeiffer, E. (1977). Functional psychiatric disorders in old age. In E.W. Busse & E. Pfeiffer (Eds.) Behavior and adaptation in late life (2nd ed.). Boston: Little, Brown.Google Scholar
  18. Butcher, J. N. (1990). The MMPI-2 in psychological treatment. New York: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
  19. Butler, R. N., & Gleason, H. P. (1985). Productive aging. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  20. Butler, R. N., & Lewis, M. I. (1977). Aging and mental health: Positive psychosocial approaches. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby.Google Scholar
  21. Bytheway, B., Keil, T., Allait, P., & Bryman, A. (1989). Becoming and being old: sociological approaches to later life. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.Google Scholar
  22. Cohen, C. J., Teresi, J., & Holmes, D. (1985). Social networks, stress, adaptation, and health. Research on Aging, 7, 409–431.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  23. Cumming, E. (1964).New thoughts on the theory of disengagement. In R. J. Kastenbaum (Ed.), New thoughts on old age. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  24. Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement. New York: Basic Books.Google Scholar
  25. Dolen, L. S., & Bearison, D. J. (1982). Social interaction and social cognition in aging: A contextual analysis. Human Development, 25, 430–442.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  26. Donohue, B., Acierno, R., Hersen, M., & Van Hasselt, V. B. (1995a). Social skills training for depressed, visually impaired older adults: A treatment manual. Behavior Modification, 19, 379–424.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  27. Donohue, B., Acierno, R., Van Hasselt, V. B., & Hersen, M. (1995b). Social skills training in a depressed, visually impaired older adult. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 26, 65–75.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  28. D’Zurilla, T. J. (1986). Problem solving therapy: A social competence approach to clinical intervention. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  29. D’Zurilla, T. J., & Sheedy, C. F. (1992). The relation between social problem-solving ability and subsequent level of academic competence in college students. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 16, 589–599.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  30. Edinberg, M. A. (1986). Social competency training with hispanic elderly. Clinical Gerontologist, 4, 56–58.Google Scholar
  31. Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.Google Scholar
  32. Engels, M. (1991).The promotion of positive social interaction through social skills training. In P. A. Wisocki (Ed.), Handbook of clinical behavior therapy with the elderly client. (pp. 185–202). New York: Plenum Press.Google Scholar
  33. Engels, M., & Poser, E. (1987). Social skills training with older women. Clinical Gerontologist, 6, 70–73.Google Scholar
  34. Ernst, P., Beran, B., Safford, F., & Kleinhauz, M. (1978). Isolation and the symptoms of chronic brain syndrome. The Gerontologist, 18, 468–474.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  35. Fisher, J. E., & Carstensen, L. L. (1990). Generalized effects of skills training among older adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 9, 91–107.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  36. Florsheim, M. J., Leavesley, G., Hanley-Peterson, P., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (1991). An expansion of the A-B-C approach to cognitive/behavioral therapy. Clinical Gerontologist, 10, 65–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  37. Franzke, A.W. (1987). The effects of assertiveness training on older adults. The Gerontologist, 27, 13–16.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  38. Frisch, M. B. (1988a). Quality of life inventory. Waco, TX: Baylor University, Psychology Department.Google Scholar
  39. George, L. K., & Fillenbaum, G. G. (1985). OARS methodology: SA decade of experience in geriatric assessment. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 33, 607–615.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  40. Goldfried, M. R., & D’Zurilla, T. J. (1969). A behavioral-analytic model for assessing competence. In C. D. Spielberger (Ed.), Current topics in clinical and community psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 151–196). New York: Academic Press.Google Scholar
  41. Goldstein, A. P., Sprafkin, R. P., & Gershaw, N. J. (1976). Skill training for community living: Applied structured learning therapy. New York: Pergamon Press.Google Scholar
  42. Goodstein, R. K. (1985). Common clinical problems in the elderly: Camouflaged by ageism and atypical presentation. Psychiatric Annals, 43, 99–312.Google Scholar
  43. Hersen, M., Bellack, A., & Turner, S. (1978). Assessment of assertiveness in female psychiatric patients: Motor and autonomic measures. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 9, 11–16.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  44. Hersen, M., Kabacoff, R. I., Ryan, C. F., Null, J. A., Melton, M. A., Pagan, V., Segal, D. L., & Van Hasselt, V. B. (1995a). Psychometric properties of the Wolpe-Lazarus Assertiveness Scale for older visually impaired adults. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 1, 179–187.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  45. Hersen, M., Kabacoff, R. I., Van Hasselt, V. B., Null, J. A., Ryan, C. F., Melton, M., & Segal, D. (1995b). Assertiveness, depression, and social support in older visually impaired adults. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 89, 524–530.Google Scholar
  46. Hersen, M., & Van Hasselt, V. B. (1992). Behavioral assessment and treatment of anxiety in the elderly. Clinical Psychology Review, 12, 619–640.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  47. Hersen, M., Van Hasselt, V. B., & Goreczny, A. J. (1993). Behavioral assessment of anxiety in older adults: Some comments. Behavior Modification, 17, 99–112.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  48. Hersen, M., & Van Hasselt, V., & Segal, D. (1995). Social adaptation in older visually impaired adults: Some comments. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 1, 49–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  49. Hoyer, W. J., Lopez, M. A., & Goldstein, A. P. (1982). Predicting social skill acquisition and transfer by psychogeriatric patients. International Journal of Behavioral Geriatrics, 1, 43–46.Google Scholar
  50. Kahle, L. R., & Timmer, S. G. (1983).A theory and method for studying values. In L. R. Kahle (Ed.), Social values and social change: Adaptation to life in America. New York: Praeger.Google Scholar
  51. Kelly, G. A. (1955). The psychology of personal constructs (Vols. 1 & 2). New York: Norton.Google Scholar
  52. Kimmel, D. C. (1980). Adulthood and aging: An interdisciplinary, developmental view. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
  53. Kimmel, D. C. (1988). Ageism, psychology, and public, policy. American Psychologist, 43, 175–178.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  54. Kogan, E. S., Kabacoff, R. I., Hersen, M. & Van Hasselt, V B. (1994). Clinical cutoffs for the Beck Depression Inventory and the Geriatric Depression Scale with older adult psychiatric outpatients. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 16, 233–242.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  55. Kogan, E. S., Van Hasselt, V. B., Hersen, M., & Kabacoff, R. I. (1995). Relationship of depression, assertiveness, and social support in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Clinical Geropsychology, 1, 157–163.Google Scholar
  56. Kosberg, J. I., & Garcia, J. L. (1988). The problems of older clients seen at a family service agency: Treatment and program implications. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 11, 141–153.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  57. Kuypers, J., & Bengston, V. (1973). Competence and social breakdown. A social-psychological view of aging. Human Development, 16, 37–49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  58. Lawton, M. P., Patniak, B., & Kleban, M. H. (1976). The ecology of adaptation to a new environment. International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 7, 15–26.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  59. Levy, S. (1981). The aging woman: Developmental issues and mental health needs. Professional Psychology, 12, 92–102.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  60. Lewinsohn, P. M., Antonuccio, D. O., Steinmetz, J. L., & Teri, L. (1984). The coping with depression course. Eugene, OR: Castalia.Google Scholar
  61. Lewinsohn, P. M., Hoberman, H. M., & Clarke, G. N. (1989). Coping with depression course: Review and future directions. Canadian Journal of Behavioral Science, 21, 470–493.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  62. Lewinsohn, P. M., Munoz, R. F., Youngren, M. A., & Zeiss, A. M. (1986). Control your depression. Revised and Updated. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.Google Scholar
  63. Lezak, M. D. (1983). Neuropsychological assessment (2nd Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
  64. Lopez, M. A. (1980). Social skills training with institutionalized elderly: Effects of precounseling structuring and overlearning on skill acquisition and transfer. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 27, 286–293.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  65. McIntosh, J. (1989). Official U.S. elderly suicide data base: Levels, availability, omissions. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying, 19, 337–350.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  66. Morrison, R. L., & Bellack, A. S. (1981). The role of social perception in social skill. Behavioral Therapy, 12, 69–79.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  67. Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive psychology. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.Google Scholar
  68. Neugarten, B. L. (1974). Age groups in American society and the rise of the young old. Annals of American Academy of Science, September, 187–198.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  69. Olin, J. T, Schneider, L. S., Eaton, E. M., Zemansky, M. F., & Pollock, V. E. (1992). The Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory as screening instruments in an older adult outpatient population. Psychological Assessment, 4, 190–192.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  70. Palmore, E. (1969). Predicting longevity. Gerontologist, 9, 247.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  71. Pfeiffer, E. (1970). Survival in old age: Physical, psychological, and social correlates of longevity. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 18, 273–289.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  72. Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. New York: International Universities Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  73. Ross, H., & Kedward, H. (1978). Social functioning and self-care in hospitalized psychogeriatric patients. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 166, 25–33.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  74. Rothenberg, B. B. (1970). Children’s social sensitivity and the relationship to interpersonal competence, interpersonal comfort, and intellectual level. Developmental Psychology, 2, 335–350.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  75. Spitzer, R. L., Williams, J. B., Gibbon, M., & First, M. B. (1992). The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID). Archives of General Psychiatry, 49, 624–629.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  76. Sprafkin, R. P. (1984).Social skills training. In R. J. Corsini (Ed.), Encyclopedia of psychology. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
  77. Stein, S., Linn, M.W., & Stein, E. (1982). The relationship of self-help networks to physical and psychosocial functioning. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 30, 764–768.PubMedGoogle Scholar
  78. Stevens-Long, J. (1979). Adult life: Developmental processes. Palo Alto, CA: Mayfield.Google Scholar
  79. Sulzman, C. (1989). Treatment of the agitated demented elderly patient. Hospital and Community Psychiatry, 39, 1143–1144.Google Scholar
  80. Tagiuri, R. (1969). Person perception. In G. Lindzey & E. Aronson (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (Vol. 3). Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.Google Scholar
  81. Tallmer, M. (1973). A current issue in social gerontology. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 6, 99–108.Google Scholar
  82. Teri, L. (1983). The role of age in the treatment of depression: Unanswered questions. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 1, 29–31.Google Scholar
  83. Thompson, L.W., & Gallagher, D. (1983). A psychoeducational approach for treatment of depression in elders. Psychotherapy in Private Practice, 1, 25–28.Google Scholar
  84. Toseland, R., & Rose, S. D. (1978). Evaluating social skills training for older adults in groups. Social Work Research & Abstracts, 14, 25–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  85. Trower, P. E., & Argyle, M. (1978). Social skills and mental health. London: Methuen.Google Scholar
  86. Tunstall, J. (1966). Old and alone. London: Routledge Kegan Paul.Google Scholar
  87. U.S. Bureau of Census. (1993). Population profile of the United States: 1993. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.Google Scholar
  88. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. (1976). Facts about older Americans. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.Google Scholar
  89. Vacarro, F. J. (1990). Application of social skills training in a group of institutionalized aggressive elderly subjects. Psychology and Aging, 5, 369–378.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  90. Viney, L. L., Benjamin, Y. N., & Preston, C. (1990). Personal construct therapy for the elderly. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 4, 211–224.Google Scholar
  91. White House Domestic Policy Council. (1993). Health security preliminary plan summary. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.Google Scholar
  92. Wilkinson, J., & Canter, S. (1983). Social Skills Training Manual: Assessment, program design, and management of training. New York: Wiley.Google Scholar
  93. Wixted, J. T., Morrison, R. L., & Bellack, A. S. (1988). Social skills training in the treatment of negative symptoms. International Journal of Mental Health, 17, 3–21.Google Scholar
  94. Wolk, S., & Kurtz, J. (1975). Positive adjustment and involvement during aging and expectancy for internal control. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43, 173–178.PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  95. Yesavage, J. A., Brink, T. L., & Rose, T. L. (1983). Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 17, 37–49.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  96. Zeiss, A. M., & Lewinsohn, P. M. (1986). Adapting behavioral treatment of depression to meet the needs of the elderly. The Clinical Psychologist, Fall, 98–100.Google Scholar
  97. Zigler, E., & Phillips, L. (1960). Social effectiveness and symptomatic behaviors. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 62, 231–238.Google Scholar
  98. Zigler, E., & Phillips, L. (1961). Social competence and outcome in mental disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 63, 264–271.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • William Harry Pettibon
    • 1
  • Vincent B. Van Hasselt
    • 1
  • Michel Hersen
    • 1
  1. 1.Center for Psychological StudiesNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleUSA

Personalised recommendations

Cite chapter

Buy options