Anxiety among older Australians: coping strategies and the mediating effect of resilience

Aim: The primary objective of this study is to assess the relationship between coping strategies, resilience and anxiety among older Australians. In particular the study aims to assess whether resilience mediates the relationship between coping and anxiety. Design: A survey was used to measure the variables of interest: Coping strategies, resilience and anxiety. Method: A total of 302 participants were recruited through clubs and community groups in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Townsville. Peason's correlations and bootstrapped multiple regression analyses was used to analyse the data. Results: Resilience was found to positively correlate with all forms of coping, apart from instrumental support seeking. Resilience was also found to negatively correlate with anxiety. Significant negative correlations were found between proactive coping and anxiety and strategic planning and anxiety. Mediation analysis revealed resilience to be a very strong mediator of the relationship between proactive coping and anxiety among older Australians. Conclusion: The study highlights the complicated and multifaceted nature of the relationships between forms of coping, resilience and anxiety among older Australians. It also highlights the importance of understanding and promoting resilience among older people.

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49th Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference

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