Mediators of stress in older adults: Conceptual and integrative frameworks.

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Abstract
The paper presents a number of conceptual frameworks delineating and integrating the rapidly expanding theoretical, empirical and clinical literature on mediators of stress in older adults. Three contingency models of stress mediation are summarized: Social support model, behavioural response model, and self-perceptions/self-evaluations model. The integrative framework proposed in the paper views the stress process as an interplay of personal, social and environmental resources and stressors, and posits that stress appraisals are mediated or moderated, over time, by a number of cognitive, social and behavioural factors. Immplications are noted for stress researchers, health professionals and gerontologists.