نقش روان رنجوری و عزت‌نفس در پیش‌بینی استرس ادراک‌شده در سالمندان

Background: Perceived stress, as an individual’s cognitive appraisal of life pressures and threats, is considered a key determinant in the psychological and physical health of older adults. Given the growth of the aging population and the increase in stressors unique to this developmental stage, a comprehensive examination of this phenomenon is essential. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of neuroticism and self-esteem in predicting perceived stress in older adults.
Method: The research design was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all older adults in the city of Tabriz in the year 1403 (2024-2025), from which a sample of 214 individuals was selected using a convenience sampling method. The instruments utilized in this study included the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al.), the Neuroticism Scale (Costa & McCrae), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis using SPSS version 24.
Results: The findings indicated that neuroticism and self-esteem have a significant relationship with perceived stress and can significantly predict perceived stress (p<.001). Furthermore, self-esteem and neuroticism are, respectively, the strongest predictors of perceived stress in older adults (p<.001).
Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the dimensions of neuroticism and self-esteem to alleviate the level of perceived stress in older adults. Consequently, these results can contribute to raising awareness regarding older adults and focusing on factors influencing perceived stress.
EXTENDED ABSTRACT
Introduction
Research indicates that perceived stress is higher among older adults compared to younger adults due to physiological, social, and economic changes. In the research literature, various variables have been examined to predict perceived stress in older adults, with personality styles being one of the most significant factors. A key factor in personality differences regarding stress appraisal is neuroticism. Neuroticism reflects a tendency to experience negative emotions, which can exacerbate the intensity of perceived stress. Although studies have demonstrated that neuroticism predicts perceived stress in older age, there is a paucity of research examining which variables, in conjunction with neuroticism, can predict perceived stress in older adults. While studies suggest the role of various variables in the relationship between neuroticism and perceived stress, the combined role of self-esteem and neuroticism in predicting perceived stress has not been investigated. Therefore, considering the existing gaps in the research literature, the aim of the present study was to examine the role of neuroticism and self-esteem in predicting perceived stress in older adults.
Method
The present study was fundamental research utilizing a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population comprised all older adults aged over 60 residing in the city of Tabriz in the year 1403 (2024-2025). From this population, a sample of 214 individuals (126 men and 88 women) was selected using the convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were: 1) having at least a primary education (literacy for reading and writing), 2) being over 60 years of age, and 3) not residing in nursing homes. The exclusion criteria included: 1) the presence of severe physical and mental problems, and 2) the use of psychiatric medication that would interfere with the study’s implementation. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al.), the Neuroticism Scale (Costa & McCrae), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. To implement the design and collect the data, following the acquisition of necessary permits from the research officials of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, the study was initiated within the city of Tabriz. Data collection took place in public spaces such as parks and mosques where the presence of older people was more frequent, or by visiting families with older members. Informed consent was obtained from the older adults for participation in the study; the purpose of the research was explained to them, and they were assured that their responses would remain confidential with the researchers. Finally, descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis) were utilized to analyze the data. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 24.
Results
To examine the correlation between variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized. The results indicated that neuroticism (r=0.49) and self-esteem (r=−0.52) have a significant relationship with perceived stress. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between neuroticism and self-esteem (r=−0.53). The mean and standard deviation indices of the variables indicate appropriate data dispersion, and the skewness and kurtosis assumptions suggest the normality of the distribution of the research variables. In other words, since the skewness and kurtosis values were obtained within the range of −1 to +1, this indicates a normal distribution of the variables. Another assumption considered in regression testing is the independence of errors (the difference between actual values and values predicted by the regression equation). The Durbin-Watson test was used to examine the independence of errors. The Durbin-Watson statistic value was 1.98, indicating the absence of serial correlation. To test the predictive capability of neuroticism and self-esteem, these variables were entered into a stepwise regression analysis to predict the level of perceived stress (Table 1).
As Table 1 indicates, self-esteem and neuroticism are, respectively, the strongest predictors of perceived stress in older adults (p<.001). Specifically, perceived stress in older adults increases as neuroticism rises and self-esteem declines. Furthermore, given that the tolerance index (Tolerance=0.694) is greater than 0.100.100.10 and the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF=1.442) is less than 10, it can be concluded that the assumption of multicollinearity among the variables has been satisfied.
Conclusion
Neuroticism, as a personality dimension associated with emotional sensitivity and frequent worry, has a significant impact on the experience of perceived stress in older adults. This personality trait can heighten stress responses and diminish the ability to cope with life pressures. In
this context, self-esteem can also play a pivotal role as a predictor in the emergence of perceived stress. Healthy and positive self-esteem can assist older adults in accepting themselves and believing in their capabilities. This can contribute to alleviating the intensity of perceived stress stemming from the pressures of physical, social, and economic changes. Studies have also demonstrated that just as self-esteem predicts perceived stress, it correlates with neuroticism and, in conjunction with it, can influence perceived stress. Therefore, self-esteem can act as a balancing mechanism in the psychological processes of the aging population, moderating the negative effects of neuroticism on stress and altering the predictive pattern. Examining this relationship can provide more effective psychotherapeutic strategies and supportive interventions aimed at promoting the mental health of older people, particularly by focusing on strengthening self-esteem, which can serve as an internal resource acting as resistance against stress.
 Ethical Consideration
Ethical Code
This study was conducted independently after obtaining the necessary permits from the research officials of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. Furthermore, this research adhered to all ethical guidelines. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, and the confidentiality of their information was maintained. Participation in this study was voluntary, and the data were utilized solely for research purposes.
Financial Support
This study did not receive financial support.
Authors’ Contributions
H.B: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Curation, Software, Formal analysis, Writing - Original Draft; H.Y: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Writing - Review & Editing, Supervision; M.S: Conceptualization, Methodology Writing - Review & Editing, Supervision.
Conflict of Interest
The author had no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors consider it necessary to express their gratitude and appreciation to all the participants who cooperated in the completion of this research.
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