Research project on anxiety in older people

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A psychology doctoral study of how older adults experience anxiety is intended to help psychologist’s develop a better understanding of the experiences and worries of people over 60 and could be used to develop services that are more suited to the needs of older people.

Elizabeth Cotton, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology student at Massey’s School of Psychology in Auckland, is looking for people aged between 60 and 80 to take part in a study about their every-day experiences of anxiety and worry.

The broad aim of the study is to help doctors, psychologists and health practitioners develop a better understanding of the worries and anxieties that people experience later in life. Ms Cotton hopes that that this knowledge will then be used to improve the services available to older New Zealanders who experience anxiety problems.

The study specifically aims to find out whether the questionnaires that psychologists and other health professionals currently use to assess anxiety are suitable for use with older New Zealanders. Until now, most anxiety research has focused on young to middle-aged people. The majority of questionnaires that have been developed to help doctors and psychologists assess anxiety have also been developed and tested with younger people and none have been developed in New Zealand.

It is possible that important aspects of anxiety and life experiences of older adults have been overlooked and that the questionnaires currently available to health professionals do not adequately reflect concerns and difficulties that are important in later life. This is a problem as it means that the worries and anxiety problems that older people experience may be misunderstood or may not be recognised.

It is important that psychologists understand all levels of worry and anxiety so that they can identify when it becomes problematic. Ms Cotton is hoping that older people from all walks of life and with a wide range of experiences will take part in her study - from people who do not have a problem with anxiety through to people whose anxieties interfere with their ability to function day to day.

Feelings of anxiety are normal for people of all ages. However, if anxiety about day to day activities becomes habitual and stops people socializing or living as they would normally, it is important that they are able to get help. Once anxiety problems are diagnosed, they are actually very treatable. The difficulty lies in accurate assessment which is why this research is so important.

For more information or to participate in the study, contact Liz Cotton: (09) 443 9730 or email LizCotton@xtra.co.nz

Submitted 10th Apr 2010 by GrownUps Member: still studying

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