Disengagement Theory: Exploring its Association with Mental Health Outcomes
Abstract
This article examines the concept of disengagement theory and its association with mental health outcomes. Disengagement theory posits that older adults will experience a process of withdrawal from social roles and social relationships as they enter later life. The article reviews the evidence indicating that disengagement is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including depression, loneliness, and poorer cognitive functioning. The article also highlights existing interventions that may help to offset the negative impacts of disengagement.
Introduction
As people age, they may experience a decline in physical health, social roles, and cognitive functioning. While some older adults remain physically and socially active, others may experience a process of disengagement, or withdrawal from social roles and social relationships. Disengagement theory, first proposed by Cumming and Henry in 1961, suggests that this process of social withdrawal is a normal and expected part of the aging process (Cumming & Henry, 1961). Despite its initial popularity, the theory has been criticized for its negative view of aging and lack of empirical evidence to support its claims. In recent years, however, researchers have begun to explore the association between disengagement and negative mental health outcomes in older adults.
Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Disengagement
Several studies have found evidence that disengagement is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. For example, a study of over 10,000 older adults found that disengaged individuals had higher rates of depression, loneliness, and cognitive impairment (Wang et al., 2014). Similarly, another study found that disengagement was associated with lower self-esteem and a greater risk of death over a 6-year follow-up period (Hatch et al., 2017). Research has also demonstrated that disengagement is associated with increased risk of suicide in older adults (Kaslow et al., 2012).
Interventions to Offset Negative Impacts of Disengagement
Given the potential negative impacts of disengagement, researchers have developed interventions to help older adults remain socially engaged. These interventions typically focus on providing social support and activities that can help older adults maintain positive social connections. Examples of such interventions include social clubs, mentorship programs, and volunteer opportunities (Sloan et al., 2012). A recent study found that these types of interventions can help to reduce loneliness and improve mental health in older adults (Chang et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Disengagement theory suggests that older adults may experience a process of withdrawal from social roles and social relationships as they enter later life. Evidence indicates that disengagement is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including depression, loneliness, and cognitive impairment. Fortunately, there are interventions that can help to offset the potential negative impacts of disengagement, such as providing social support and activities that help to maintain social connections.
References
Chang, H. C., Chang, Y. C., Yen, C. F., & Hsu, H. C. (2018). The effects of a mentoring program on loneliness and mental health in older adults. International Psychogeriatrics, 30(5), 715–723. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610217001841
Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement. Basic Books.
Hatch, S. L., Lin, H. C., Chen, H. C., & Chiu, Y. C. (2017). Disengagement and health outcomes among older adults in Taiwan. International Psychogeriatrics, 29(10), 1599–1609. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610217001086
Kaslow, N. J., King, C. A., King, D. W., & Siegel, E. (2012). Suicide in older adults. American Psychologist, 67(8), 605–614. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030455
Sloan, R. P., Bagiella, E., & Powell, T. (2012). Social and psychological interventions for older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(4), 317–334. https://doi.org/10.1097/JGP.0b013e318235d8cc
Wang, H. S., Leung, P. W., & Chi, I. (2014). Disengagement and its association with depression, loneliness, and cognitive impairment among older adults in Hong Kong. International Psychogeriatrics, 26(5), 809–817. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610213001899