@article{ref1,
title="Predictions get tougher in older individuals: a longitudinal study of optimism, pessimism and depression",
journal="Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology",
year="2014",
author="Armbruster, Diana and Pieper, Lars and Klotsche, Jens and Hoyer, Jürgen",
volume="50",
number="1",
pages="153-163",
abstract="PURPOSE: To examine whether optimism/pessimism reliably predicts depression and whether such function is stable also in older age. <br><br>METHOD: In a prospective study, we observed a representative sample of n = 4,046 primary care patients over 5 years. The Life Orientation Test (LOT-R, measuring optimism/pessimism) and the Depression-Screening Questionnaire were applied. Medical diagnoses were recorded by the treating physician in a structured medical interview. <br><br>RESULTS: Depression could only be predicted by LOT-R scores in younger-age cohorts. In older adults, test stability and predictive accuracy of optimism/pessimism were markedly reduced, while somatic comorbidity gained importance as a predictor. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Predictive value of screening measures for mental disorders may be specific in older age due to lower trait stability and age-specific psychometric limitations as well as age-related changes in relevant predictors.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0933-7954",
doi="10.1007/s00127-014-0959-0",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0959-0"
}