Relationship between Depressive Symptomatology and Positive and Negative Affect in Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: It has been suggested that depression is characterized by a high level of negative and low positive affect, and there is some evidence. However, the relationship between depressive symptomatology and both affects in older adults has been studied very little. Materials and methods: A sample of 113 participants was used, divided into two groups; A, n = 63, composed of older adults with probable depression and group B, n = 49 pairs without depression. Two scales were applied, the PANAS scale of positive and negative affect, and Yesavage Geriatric Depression scale that evaluates the presence of depressive symptoms. Results: Lower levels of positive affect and higher levels of negative affect were found in older adults with probable depression in a significant way. In addition, a moderate and negative correlation was observed between depressive symptomatology and positive affect. On the other hand, a low and positive correlation was found with negative affect (both significant). Discussion: The results support the tripartite model (Watson, Clark and Tellegen) in older adults. It is suggested that in the clinical setting it may be useful to evaluate the levels of positive affect in older adults to detect the presence of depression.