Rachel Hooks

Citation

Thesis Title
The Psychological Impact of Resource Gains and Losses in An Ageing Population from the Perspective of Conservation of Resources Theory

Read article at Massey Research Online:

The years from mid-life through retirement into older adulthood are signified by change and adjustment. Conservation of Resources (COR) theory predicts these years are also a time of significant stress as personal and material resources are depleted. Ms Hooks investigated the principles of COR theory, using data obtained from a parent ageing study. She investigated the primacy of loss hypothesis, which predicted that losses in valued resources (economic, social, and physical) would result in loss of psychological wellbeing, and gains would not have equivalent impact. Results suggested provisional support for the principles of COR theory linking loss and gain of valued resources to psychological wellbeing. Economic standard of living emerged as a critical and valued resource linked to psychological wellbeing. Her research highlighted limitations in COR theory, in particular an absence of consideration of the differential values resources may have, and roles they might play, in maintaining psychological wellbeing.

Supervisors
Professor Fiona Alpass
Mrs Cheryl Woolley
Associate Professor John Spicer