Korean J Adult Nurs.  2021 Jun;33(3):247-258. 10.7475/kjan.2021.33.3.247.

The Effects of Climacteric Symptom Cognition, Self-efficacy on Aging Anxiety in Middle-Aged Couples: Actor and Partner Interdependence Mediation Model

• Kim YS
• Hur MH

• KMID: 2517240
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2021.33.3.247

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to construct and test the Actor and Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM) of aging anxiety of middle-aged couples based on Social Cognitive Theory and the “Crossover” concept.
Methods
Couples’ data were collected from 192 middle-aged couples.
Results
Actor effects and partner effects were supported in the two APIMeM models. Regarding the wives' aging anxiety, the actor effect of their climacteric symptoms and their cognition (husband climacteric symptoms) was mediated by their self-efficacy. Similarly, the partner effect of the husbands' cognition (wife climacteric symptoms) was also mediated by their husbands' self-efficacy. Considering the husbands' aging anxiety, the actor effect of the husbands' climacteric symptoms and the husbands' cognition (wife climacteric symptoms) was mediated by the wives' self-efficacy. The partner effect of the wives' climacteric symptoms and their cognition (husband climacteric symptoms) was mediated by the husbands' self-efficacy.
Conclusion
To reduce the aging anxiety of middle-aged couples and to reach a healthy old age, it is essential for a wife and husband to realize this together. It is considered that the aging anxiety of middle-aged couples will be more effectively prevented by implementing an interactive program to enhance self-efficacy, which has been identified as an important parameter of the actor-partner effect.

Keyword

Middle aged; Aging; Anxiety; Climacteric; Self efficacy