What is it about?
This study explores why some older adults in nursing homes display aggressive behavior. We found that difficulty in identifying emotions and impulsive actions are linked to such behavior. Though overall aggression was low, possibly due to medication and supervision, our findings offer insights into better care strategies for the elderly.
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Why is it important?
What sets this study apart is its focus on institutionalized older adults, a population often overlooked in the context of aggressiveness related to emotional difficulties and impulsiveness. Most prior research has concentrated on younger adults or forensic settings, leaving a gap in understanding how these psychological traits influence aggressiveness in a geriatric environment. In a society that is rapidly aging, this study is timely and offers critical insights into the behavior of a growing segment of the population. Notably, the findings hold therapeutic implications; by recognizing the role of alexithymia and impulsivity in aggressive behaviors, care providers can tailor interventions more effectively, thus enhancing the quality of life in institutional settings for older people.
Perspectives
The most gratifying aspect of conducting this research was the opportunity to fill a gap in the existing literature by focusing on the overlooked population of institutionalized older adults. Such work adds a nuanced layer to our understanding of aging and mental health. As a scholar primarily interested in aging, neuropsychology, and mental health, I find it imperative to examine areas that directly affect the quality of life in such settings. I am especially looking forward to the clinical applications of our findings. They offer new avenues for psychotherapeutic strategies and have the potential to improve life quality for older adults within institutional settings. Ultimately, my aspiration is that this paper will provoke both scholarly discussion and lead to actionable changes in geriatric mental health care.
Prof. Helena Amaral Espírito Santo
Instituto Superior Miguel Torga
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Do impulsivity and alexithymia predict aggressiveness in institutionalized older adults?, Análise Psicológica, December 2022, ISPA - Instituto Universitario,
DOI: 10.14417/ap.1946.
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