Cognitive Beliefs and Future Time Perspectives: Predictors of Mortality and Longevity
2011

Cognitive Beliefs and Future Time Perspectives: Predictors of Mortality and Longevity

Sample size: 440 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Prem S. Fry, Dominique L. Debats

Primary Institution: Trinity Western University

Hypothesis

The study investigates whether older adults' cognitive beliefs about a just world and their future time perspectives predict long-term survival.

Conclusion

Higher beliefs in a just world and positive future time perspectives are associated with lower mortality risk in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Survivors had significantly higher scores on beliefs in a just world and future time perspectives.
  • High distrust was associated with increased mortality risk.
  • Participants with strong beliefs in a just world had a 43.3% lower risk of death.

Takeaway

Older people who believe the world is fair and think positively about their future are more likely to live longer.

Methodology

The study followed 440 older adults for 6.5 years, assessing their cognitive beliefs and future perspectives to predict mortality.

Potential Biases

Self-report measures may lead to unreliability in the data collected.

Limitations

The sample was volunteer-based, and self-report measures may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 65 to 87, with a mix of urban and rural backgrounds in Southern Alberta, Canada.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4061/2011/367902

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