Are self-perceptions of ageing modifiable? Examination of an exercise programme with vs. without a self-perceptions of ageing-intervention for older adults

Objective: Longitudinal studies have consistently shown beneficial effects of positive self-perceptions of ageing (SPA) on health. However, SPA are more often negative than positive, particularly in older adults. For this reason, the present study tested the effectiveness of an intervention to promote more positive SPA in the context of an exercise programme for older adults.

Design: Eighty-four community-dwelling older adults (66-88 years; M(SD)=76.8(5.29)) were randomly assigned to a group-based exercise programme over 12 weeks with (n?=?46) or without (n?=?38) a psychological intervention to change SPA, consisting of four intervention units over the programme period.

Main Outcome Measures: A gain- and a loss-related domain of SPA were assessed at baseline, after the first half of the programme, directly after the programme and in a follow-up four weeks later.

Results: Latent change score models showed an improvement of participants’ SPA in the intervention group in both SPA domains after the programme, whereas SPA did not change in the control group. Both groups showed an improvement in physical performance, however, only the IG showed additional improvements in mental health.

Conclusion: The implementation of an SPA intervention is a promising approach in regular health promotion programmes for older adults.     

Dilemmas in kinship care: negotiating entitlements in therapy

This paper considers how ideological dilemmas that arise in therapy can be analysed usefully for therapeutic practice. The focus is on the particular situation of kinship care families where family or friends are caring for children without birth parents being present. In the process of family members negotiating the entitlement to care and to be cared for, multiple possibilities about family constructions and authorities throw up many dilemmas for therapists and families. Based on the author's research study with kinship care families, a method for linking discourse theory and therapeutic practice through the use of discourse analysis and positioning theory is explored, with reference to the hierarchical method of the Co‐ordinated Management of Meaning model. The paper contends that a consideration of ideological dilemmas in conversation is a core part of any therapeutic encounter, which needs to be recognized and considered in order that those involved in therapy may reflect on several possible futures and so open up the space for future decision‐making.