PHYSICAL AND MENTAL-HEALTH IN LATER LIFE - THE SELF-SYSTEM AS MEDIATOR

The purpose of this research was to investigate how the self-system me diates the relationship between physical health and mental health in e lderly women. Three theoretical perspectives were examined: social int egration (self in relationship to the social structure), social compar isons (self in relationship to others), and self-discrepancies (intern al self-evaluations). Community-dwelling elderly women (N = 243) compl eted self-report instruments measuring the various self-assessments, p hysical health, and 3 mental health outcomes: psychological distress, well-being, and developmental outcomes. Social integration and social comparisons mediated the effects of physical health on all 3 outcomes.