Perceived stress and coping resource availability as predictors of life satisfaction in young, middle-aged, and older adults

Global satisfaction with life across three age groups (18 to 40 years, 41 t o 65 years, and 66 years and above) was investigated. Multiple regressions were computed to examine the separate and joint effects of perceived stress and coping resource availability upon life satisfaction across the three a ge groups (N = 189). Age differences in perceived stress, coping resource a vailability, and life satisfaction, were also investigated. Results of this cross-sectional investigation indicated that self-appraisal measures of pe rceived stress and coping resource effectiveness served as moderate predict ors of global life satisfaction, and that for the total sample the combined effects of perceived stress and coping resource effectiveness were better predictors of life satisfaction than either variable considered separately. Perceived stress was found to be a better predictor of life satisfaction f or younger adults, and coping resource effectiveness was a better predictor of satisfaction with life for middle-aged and older adults. Significant ag e differences in life satisfaction, perceived stress, and coping resources were also found. The assessment of perceived stress and coping has importan t implications for life satisfaction among all age groups, and has particul ar significance to older adults. By identifying age differences in variable s associated with satisfaction with life, more effective efforts can be mad e to promote physical and psychological well-being in late adulthood.