SAGE Journal Articles

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Article 1:

Chavez-Korell, S., Benson-Flórez, G., Rendón, A. D., & Farías, R. (2014). Examining the relationships between physical functioning, ethnic identity, acculturation, familismo, and depressive symptoms for Latino older adults. The Counseling Psychologist42(2), 255-277.

Abstract:

In this study, the authors examined the contributions of physical functioning, acculturation, the Latino cultural value of familismo, and ethnic identity in predicting depressive symptoms in a community sample of Latino older adults. The participants were 98 Latino older adults, age 65 and older, from a moderately sized Midwestern city. Multiple regression analyses indicated that physical functioning, acculturation, familismo, and ethnic identity were significantly related to depressive symptoms. Due to the limited empirical research focused on ethnic identity among older adults, the construct of ethnic identity was closely examined in an effort to extend ethnic identity theory and research specific to Latino older adults. The findings are discussed within the context of ethnic identity theory and implications for research and practice.

Questions to Consider:

  1. Describe the concept of familismo and how it may impact your work with Latino/a older adults.
  2. Acculturation is an important aspect to consider when choosing culturally appropriate interventions. Discuss this statement and its validity in your past or future experiences.
  3. Which implications for research were most pertinent to your endeavors or interests?

Article 2:

Yu, Y., Chamorro-Premuzic, T., & Honjo, S. (2008). Personality and defense mechanisms in late adulthoodJournal of Aging and Health20(5), 526-544.

Abstract:

Objective: Current understanding of the use of psychological defense mechanisms (DMs) in older adults is limited. This study set out to examine individual differences in DMs and Cloninger’s biosocial model of personality in two age groups (50–64, 65–93), as well as their influence on health. Methods: A Japanese community sample (N = 330) completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: Across age groups, psychological well-being was related to lower levels of harm avoidance and higher levels of self-directedness. In addition, older age was related to decreases in reward dependence, cooperativeness, and increases in self-transcendence, DMs of isolation, denial, and splitting. Discussion: An Age × Gender interaction revealed that men and women varied in their pattern of age differences for some specific DMs. Results further suggest that image-distortion defense may function to compensate resource loss.

Questions to Consider:

  1. Explore the links between personality disposition with health and well-being in late adulthood. 
  2. Discuss the possible implications of employing defense mechanisms on the lives of clients in late adulthood.
  3. Explain the article’s discussion of age x gender interactions in use of defense mechanisms. 

Article 3:

Joo, J. H., Wittink, M., & Dahlberg, B. (2011). Shared conceptualizations and divergent experiences of counseling among African American and white older adults. Qualitative health research21(8), 1065-1074.

Abstract:

Research findings suggest that older adults prefer counseling for depression treatment; however, few older adults use counseling services. In this article we present the results of our analysis of semi-structured interviews with 102 older adults to explore conceptualizations of counseling and impediments to use among African American and White older adults. We found that older adults believe counseling is beneficial; however, use was hindered in multiple ways. Older adults were skeptical about establishing a caring relationship with a professional. African American older adults did not mention social relationships to facilitate depression care, whereas White older adults described using personal relationships to navigate counseling services. African American older men were least familiar with counseling. Our findings suggest that African American and White older adults share a strong cultural model of counseling as beneficial; however, significant impediments exist and affect older adults differentially based on ethnicity.

Questions to Consider:

  1. Describe the benefits and challenges of utilizing qualitative research methods with this population.
  2. How may culture and ethnicity impact help-seeking behaviors in older adults?
  3. What other factors may affect the counseling experience of older adults?