Psychological well-being and metacognition in the fourth age: an explorative study in an Italian oldest old sample

Abstract

Objectives: The research largely aimed at exploring the impact of marital status, cognitive efficiency, gender, physical health and sociocultural context on self-rated emotional competence, depression, memory and cognitive measures.Method: Ninety-four healthy adults aged 75–99 were recruited in the Sardinian province of Ogliastra, where a collectivistic culture prevails, and in northern Italy, which in turn is characterized by the prevalence of individualistic cultural traits. Participants were administered self-referent metacognitive efficiency, subjective wellness and depression measures.Results: Sardinian elders self-rated lower levels of depression and cognitive failures and had greater levels of emotional competence.Conclusions: Perceived psychological well-being, metacognitive efficiency and depression seem to be affected by sociocultural context.

Keywords:

• metacognition
• oldest old
• depression
• psychological well-being

Acknowledgements

The first author was supported by Regione Autonoma Sardegna [grant number CRP2_7], according to regional law 7/2007, ‘Promotion of the Scientific Research and Technological Innovation in Sardinia’ within the European Programme PO Sardegna European Social Fund (FSE) 2007–2013.