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Health anxiety among older people: an exploratory study of health anxiety and safety behaviors in a cohort of older adults in New Zealand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Ann F. Boston  and
Paul L. Merrick
Ann F. Boston*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
Paul L. Merrick
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Ann F Boston, Massey University, School of Psychology, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore MSC, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 4140800 ext 41231; Fax: +64 9 4140831. Email: ann.boston.1@uni.massey.ac.nz.
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Abstract

Background: Despite a stereotype that characterizes older people as excessively anxious about their health, there is little research into this phenomenon. The present exploratory study examined: (a) whether a cohort of older adults was unduly health anxious, (b) which demographic and health factors predicted health anxiety (HA), and (c) whether an aspect of the cognitive behavioral model of HA was applicable to older adults by investigating the relationship between HA and safety behaviors.

Method: Participants were a convenience sample of adults aged over 65 and living independently in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants (104 women and 41 men) completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire measuring demographic factors, physical health and function, health anxiety, safety behaviors, and medical utilization.

Results: This cohort of adults over 65 were not unduly health anxious. Occurrence of severe HA was similar to that found in younger populations. Decreased physical function and lower education predicted scores on the HA measure. Consistent with the cognitive behavioral model, HA was a unique significant predictor of safety behaviors. HA and decreased physical function predicted medical utilization.

Conclusions: Generally low levels of HA among this cohort of older individuals challenged the pervasive stereotype of the “hypochondriacal” older person. Factors contributing to HA were similar to those reported in studies with younger cohorts. Findings provided preliminary support for the applicability of the cognitive behavioral model of HA to adults over 65. Implications of the findings and directions for future research were discussed.

Keywords

hyponchondriasisillness worrycognitive behavioral theorySHAI
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 22 , Issue 4 , June 2010 , pp. 549 - 558
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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