A Longitudinal Study, Essay Example

The qualities of mastery and self-esteem would seem to be particularly valuable when a middle-aged adult must deal with a spouse’s illness, and primarily because these attributes will strengthen coping abilities. Duration and degrees of such illness vary, but high stress is usually generated for the coping partner as, not unexpectedly, depressive symptoms lessen when the health of the spouse improves (Bookwala, 2014, p. 1241). When these symptoms are in place, however, a sense of mastery likely works in concert with self-esteem; as the adult accepts the need to take as much control over the situation as possible, their self-esteem is enhanced because they are demonstrating the behavior needed for the welfare of the ill partner, which in turn elevates confidence in mastery. Gender also seems to be a critical factor here. As a spouse’s illness often becomes an ongoing source of stress, how women and men respond varies, and women usually experience depression in middle adulthood at such times. This, however, may lead to an advantage; women are more likely to reach out to friends, equipping themselves with support (Santrock, 2012, p. 515). This support then generates a feeling of mastery to an extent, and the woman is somewhat shielded from the depression. Similarly, the male response of “fight or flight” may achieve the same results. “Flight” is problematic if the man chooses to seek escape from the reality, which may at best only superficially relieve the depression. When the male spouse “fights” the circumstance, however, and no matter the actual benefits to the ill spouse from his aggressive response, he will have a stronger feeling of exerting control. His esteem will also be enhanced because he values his own defiant attitude and behavior as necessary to combat the unfortunate reality. In a sense, the male’s anger will overshadow depression. Mastery and self-esteem may be developed differently for each gender, but the important and shared consequence is that these are often instinctive reactions to spouse illness, in place to both address the actual situation and provide the individual with internal resources countering  depression.

References

Bookwala, J. (2014). Spouse health status, depressed affect, and resilience in mid and late life: A longitudinal study. Developmental Psychology, 50(4), 1241-1249.doi:10.1037/a0035124.

Santrock, J. (2012). Life-Span Development, 14th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from                   https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/0077733908/