Psychological Health and Problem-Solving Self-Appraisal in Older Adults

This study investigated relations between psychological health and problem-solving self-appraisal in 97 adults aged 65-96 years. Participants completed the Problem-Solving Inventory ( P. P. Heppner, 1988 ) and two measures of psychological health encompassing both well-being and distress dimensions. Results of a canonical correlation analysis indicated that relations between problem-solving self-appraisal and psychological health were complex and sometimes contradictory. On the one hand, as problem-solving self-appraisal became more favorable (more confidence, more control, and increased approaching of problems), well-being increased and distress decreased. Conversely, perceptions of avoidant problem solving and decreased control were also associated with some increases in psychological health. Research and counseling implications are discussed.