Causal Modeling for the Quality of Life Based on Anxiety Sensitivity Through the Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance in the Elderly

Abstract

Given the increasing population of elderly in different societies, it is important to pay attention to their basic needs and their physical, mental health and quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the causal model of quality of life of the elderly based on anxiety sensitivity through the mediating role of experiential avoidance. It was a descriptive and structural equations study. The statistical population of this study included all elderly people living in nursing homes in Ardabil, among which two homes, Mandegaran and Atta, were randomly selected, and 150 elderlies were selected using convenience sampling. World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire, Reiss and Peterson anxiety sensitivity questionnaire, acceptance and action questionnaire of Hayes et al. were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling using SPSS 23 and Lisrel 8.8. Based on the results, the causal model confirmed the relationship between anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance and life quality of elderly based on different fit indices. Anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance showed a direct influence on quality of life of the elderly; also, anxiety sensitivity indirectly effected on life quality of the elderly through experiential avoidance (P<0.05). Therefore, anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance play an important role in life quality of the elderly and targeting these two components by psychological therapies could be effective in enhancing life quality of the elderly.

Keywords

• quality of life
• anxiety sensitivity
• experimental avoidance
• elderly