Self-Regulation, Interpersonal Relationships, Self-Esteem and Aging Anxiety in Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Aging anxiety has an adverse impact on the lives of middle-aged adults. This study investigated the relationship between self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and aging anxiety.

Methods/Statistical analysis: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study. A total of 147 Korean 4064 years, capable of communication and bearing no cognitive impairments were recruited for this study. Data were collected from June to July 2019 using a self-report questionnaire measuring self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and aging anxiety. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, bivariate Pearsons correlations, and multiple regression analyses using SPSS/WIN 24.0 software.

Findings: Among the 147 participants aged 4064, 67 were male and 80 were female. The mean aging anxiety score was lower than that found in previous studies, and participants of this study felt less aging anxiety. People with good health had lower aging anxiety compared to those with moderate or poor health. There were significant correlations among self-regulation, interpersonal relationship, self-esteem, and aging anxiety. High self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem decreased aging anxiety. As a result of identifying the factors that influence aging anxiety, the explanatory power was 44.5%, and self-esteem had the greatest effect on aging anxiety, followed by self-regulation and health. Expressing gratitude increases self-esteem, and self-esteem improves self-regulation. One must constantly train to practice gratitude daily, not only for oneself, but also for others and ones environment to help reduce aging anxiety. As only a few studies examine the relationship among self-regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and aging anxiety in middle-aged adults, additional studies with larger samples are needed.

Improvements/Applications: It is necessary to developing and implementing programs that strengthen self-esteem, self-regulation, and health. That might reduce aging anxiety among middle-aged adults and help them prepare well for old adulthood.