Family functioning and negative emotions in older adults: the mediating role of self-integrity and the moderating role of self-stereotyping

The objective of this study was to examine a possible mediator role of self-integrity and a moderator role of self-stereotyping in the relationship between family functioning and negative emotions in older adults.A total of 1186 older adults participated in the current study. They completed measures related to family functioning, self-integrity, self-stereotyping, depression, anxiety, and loneliness.Older adults with family dysfunction experienced more negative emotions than those with healthy family functioning, a finding which could be explained by the levels of self-integrity. Older adults with high levels of self-stereotyping, unhealthy family functioning, and low self-integrity were significantly more likely to be depressed and anxious than those with low levels of self-stereotyping.Family functioning negatively predicted negative emotions, self-integrity mediated the link between family functioning and negative emotions, and self-stereotyping moderated the direct and indirect effects of family functioning on depression and anxiety via self-integrity.