The Interplay Between Defeatist Beliefs and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Psychology of Frailty in Later Life
4 affiliations
- 1Lecturer in Gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing - Mansoura University, Egypt
- 2Lecturer in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Department, Egypt
- 3Professor of Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and community health Department, Al-Rayan National College of Nursing, Al-Rayan National Colleges, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- 4Lecturer, Gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhur University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Aging is often accompanied by changes in physical health, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. Frailty is one of the most important challenges in later life because it increases older adults’ vulnerability to illness, disability, and loss of independence. However, frailty is not only a physical problem. Older adults who experience weakness and functional limitations may also develop negative expectations about their abilities and experience depressive symptoms. Exploring these psychological factors may help provide a broader understanding of frailty in later life. Aim: This study aimed to assess the interplay between defeatist beliefs and depressive symptoms among older adults as the psychology of frailty in later life. Method: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 300 older adults. Data were obtained using a Demographic and Health-Related Data Structured Interview Schedule, the Defeatist Performance Attitudes Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale and Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe of the Frailty Indicator (SHARE FI). Results: Frailty was highly prevalent among the participants, with 64.7% classified as frail and 30.0% as pre-frail, 5.3%. Defeatist beliefs were also common, with 65.0% reporting high levels with 23.3% moderate levels. Regarding depressive symptoms, 50 % had moderate-to-severe symptoms and 30.0% had mild symptoms. Conclusion: The findings highlight that frailty in later life may extend beyond physical vulnerability and may coexist with negative performance beliefs and depressive symptoms. Recommendations: Paying attention to these psychological factors may help nurses and healthcare professionals identify older adults at greater risk and provide earlier, more comprehensive support.
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BibTeX
@article{mohamed2026interplay,
title = {{The Interplay Between Defeatist Beliefs and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Psychology of Frailty in Later Life}},
author = {Doaa Mohamed Zein El-Abdeen Mohamed and Sally Ahmed Mohamed Al-Maghraby and Azza Fathi Ibrahim Mohamed and Basma Taher Abd-Elwahab Mohamed Mostafa},
journal = {Egyptian Journal of Health Care},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.21608/ejhc.2026.533633},
url = {https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhc.2026.533633},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Interplay Between Defeatist Beliefs and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: The Psychology of Frailty in Later Life
AU - Doaa Mohamed Zein El-Abdeen Mohamed
AU - Sally Ahmed Mohamed Al-Maghraby
AU - Azza Fathi Ibrahim Mohamed
AU - Basma Taher Abd-Elwahab Mohamed Mostafa
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - Egyptian Journal of Health Care
DO - 10.21608/ejhc.2026.533633
UR - https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhc.2026.533633
AB - Background: Aging is often accompanied by changes in physical health, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. Frailty is one of the most important challenges in later life because it increases older adults’ vulnerability to illness, disability, and loss of independence. However, frailty is not only a physical problem. Older adults who experience weakness and functional limitations may also develop negative expectations about their abilities and experience depressive symptoms. Exploring these psychological factors may help provide a broader understanding of frailty in later life. Aim: This study aimed to assess the interplay between defeatist beliefs and depressive symptoms among older adults as the psychology of frailty in later life. Method: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 300 older adults. Data were obtained using a Demographic and Health-Related Data Structured Interview Schedule, the Defeatist Performance Attitudes Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale and Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe of the Frailty Indicator (SHARE FI). Results: Frailty was highly prevalent among the participants, with 64.7% classified as frail and 30.0% as pre-frail, 5.3%. Defeatist beliefs were also common, with 65.0% reporting high levels with 23.3% moderate levels. Regarding depressive symptoms, 50 % had moderate-to-severe symptoms and 30.0% had mild symptoms. Conclusion: The findings highlight that frailty in later life may extend beyond physical vulnerability and may coexist with negative performance beliefs and depressive symptoms. Recommendations: Paying attention to these psychological factors may help nurses and healthcare professionals identify older adults at greater risk and provide earlier, more comprehensive support.
SN - 3009-6766
SN - 1687-9546
ER -