The role of life purpose on psychosocial health: A preliminary study of older adults residing in subsidized housing

• Published in: Wellbeing, space and society space and society, 2024, Vol.6, p.100193, Article 100193
• Main Authors: Tan, Shyuan Ching, Sardina, Angie L., Mogle, Jacqueline A., Gamaldo, Alyssa A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bayesian estimation; Depressive symptomology; Education; Life purpose; Low-income older adults; Perceived leisure/social constraints; Underrepresented population
• ISSN: 2666-5581; 2666-5581
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2024.100193

•Adults in subsidized housing were at higher-than-average risk for poorer mental health.•Low-income adults perceive constraints on accessibility of recreational resources.•Effects of education on health and leisure participation differ by life purpose.•Bayesian estimates show education-purpose interaction on health/leisure perception.•Potential benefits incorporating life purpose in health interventions with low-income older adults. This study investigates the potential influence of life purpose in modifying the impact of education on depressive symptoms, and perception of leisure and social constraints. The research targets adult residents residing in low-income subsidized housing facilities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Surveys were administered to collect data on life purpose, depressive symptoms, perceived leisure constraints and sociodemographics. Bayesian statistics were employed to estimate the probability of a model encompassing education, life purpose, and their interaction, compared to a model incorporating only common sociodemographics. The findings substantiate the noteworthy protective benefits associated with life purpose. This research holds implications for the development of health interventions specifically tailored to address the unique psychosocial needs of low-income adults residing in subsidized housing, thereby contributing to more effective and targeted public health strategies.