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