Averie Zdon, in fulfilling the requirements of the PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University’s New England campus, has written and published a dissertation titled, An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Older Adults and Subjective Well-Being.
The Administration on Aging estimates that, by 2030, one out of every five adults will be 65 or older. To anticipate mental health needs and develop effective mental health services, it is essential to understand the subjective well-being (SWB) of this aging population. SWB is an individual’s assessment of their overall quality of life, and limited literature and research exist on this topic for individuals aged 65 and older.
Averie Zdon’s research utilizes qualitative methodologies to explore and analyze how older adults describe and narrate their perception of SWB. Zdon’s study addresses critical questions, such as how older adults experience and perceive SWB as they age, how the experiences of young old (ages 65–74) and oldest old (ages 85+) adults differ, and what themes emerge from each participant’s narrative.
The study’s findings highlight how intrinsic uniqueness and diverse contextual factors shape SWB as it relates to aging. The reality is that mental illness affects many older adults, emphasizing the importance of recognizing mental health and well-being at all stages of life. A deeper understanding of how older populations perceive themselves can inform treatment and mental health providers working with this population.
Read and download Zdon’s dissertation, An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Older Adults and Subjective Well-Being, here.
