Abstract
Two studies were conducted to examine the associations between life regrets and health-relevant variables among older adults. Study 1 explored whether intense experiences of regret would be associated with a health-relevant biological process (i.e., diurnal cortisol secretion) and acute physical problems (N = 183). In Study 2, a group of 103 older adults was followed over a period of 3 months, and changes in cold symptoms and sleep problems were examined. Study 2 incorporated an experimental manipulation, targeted at engaging participants in adaptive social-cognitive processes through writing. The results of Study 1 showed intense life regrets to be associated with a larger volume and a steeper morning rise of cortisol secretion and with higher levels of acute physical symptoms. Study 2 demonstrated that levels of regret intensity generally declined only in the experimental group, whereas certain aspects of regret intensity remained stable in the control group. In addition, the intervention evidenced a beneficial effect on the association between initial regret intensity and increased sleep problems over time.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 319-330 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Psychology and Aging |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2007 |
Keywords
- aging
- cortisol
- physical health
- regret
- self-regulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Social Psychology
- Aging