Analysis of Regret and Quality of Life across the Adult Life Span - Research Proposal Example

Analysis of Research Affiliation Research analysis Introduction Research analysis refers to the process of focusing on each section of the research paper with a view of making meaning of the findings and the purpose. More often, this kind of analysis helps to simplify facts and personal interpretation on each component with a view of introducing new findings, enrich the existing knowledge or correct misconception. It, therefore, expands the knowledge through attaching meaning to facts and statistics. At a glance, the analysis will provide the overview that led to the research, address the research problem and offer a meaningful interpretation of facts and figures obtained during the study. The aim of this discourse is to analyze the "Regret and Quality of Life across the Adult Life Span" research study from the American Psychological Association (APA) with a view of demystifying beyond layman understanding (Wroschet al,. 2005). The background of the work was informed by the continued effects of regrets and its relation to psychological distress. Besides, it serves to present the growth of regrets as the most common psychiatric problem experienced during growth and development. In addition, the study was motivated by the increase in psychological disturbance with age (Wroschet al,. 2005). The need to undertake this study is further influenced by the importance of a comparative study across different age groups. In each cohort, the focus is on the vulnerability of to regrets and the effect on their health. In addition, a theoretical review of disengagement and its relation to regrets forms crucial motivation into the study. Theoretically, older adults are seen as more vulnerable to chronic regrets. The need to establish whether this theory is true informs the reason for the study. In addition, the urge to develop preventive strategies that would reduce stress rates among older adults informed the researchers. It is, therefore, true that this research intends to create a firm foundation for cross-age study in terms of the age factor and regrets. In addition, the on strategies to employ in order to reduce casualties culminate the purpose of the research (Wroschet al,. 2005). Statement of the Problem The researcher finds regrets a neglected area of focusing on assessing the over personal health. In addition, the counterfactual approach often employed as a defense mechanism appears to cause more psychological harm than good. Besides, regrets appear to have a characteristic pattern across the life span. The need to collect data across the age cohorts and make reliable scientific explanation is mandatory. There are many speculations about stress that has over many years led to the misconception of the facts. The motivation that prompts the researcher into this particular topic is the insufficient studies done on the effect of the stress across the lifespan of an adult. Speculations almost appear true despite the fact that there is no concrete prove on the aging and regrets susceptibility. In addition, the researcher admits that although previous studies have shown that severe effects of regrets on cognitive and emotional concomitants, little is known on the effects on the relationship of age and subjective wellbeing (Wroschet al,. 2005). Notably, the researcher introduces a new criterion of looking at regret and age influence. There have been few studies, and thus, resources and time of the researcher will be meaningfully utilized if they are invested on this study. Additionally, there is an interesting finding that studies show that people reflect throughout the life. With this new development, the researcher notes that it may be important to qualify the life experience of regrets based on an individual age. However, the fundamental focus on the trend of regrets across the different age group may present a most fascinating observation. In addition, the researcher blames lack of research studies on the effects of regrets on age could be harmful. The general assumption that middle and old age cohorts are the most affected by regrets is a hasty generalization that has no theoretical and scientific evidence. The researcher identifies this research as a unique approach towards unraveling regrets as a significant influence on health (Wroschet al,. 2005). Additionally, the researcher presents different life experiences that inform that regret is unavoidable, and everyone is at risk. In fact, the researcher presents a more realistic approach in illustrating that regrets in unavoidable reality. The study identifies two key real life illustrations that include pursuit for developmental pathway and marital problems. There is a recognition that regrets culminates in any unsuccessful developmental or interpersonal relations. With the unclear relationship of the age and regrets, the researcher embarks on building theoretical knowledge that is based on integrating existing theories to the study. A presentation of a triad diagram that attempts to link the age factor to the intensity of regrets, disengagement strategy and well-being. Under this demystification the researcher attempts to bring into light the existing pattern of regrets across age groups, its association with disengagement theory and the impact on the health. Influence of Disengagement The researcher identifies disengagement as a key strategy in reducing stress. This suggestion borrows a lot from disengagement theory. The disengagement theory proposes that as aging is inevitable and as one ages, there is reduced interaction with others within the social sphere. In addition, the theory suggests that it is quite normal for older people to disengage from others. Formulated by Cumming and Henry in 1961, their focus, however had nothing to do with regrets. In their study, they paid attention to behavioral patterns while aging. It is one of the most recognized theories of aging that remains relevant to date (Dawson & Dawson 2009). In the light of the research on the age and regrets, the researcher finds it relevant to examine disengagement from daily life activities in relation to the intensity of regrets and the health of individuals. Theoretically, there should be a reduction of regrets as one disengage from many communal and family roles because less engagement means low levels of activity and subsequently diminished risks of regrets. Surprisingly, the researcher states that withdrawing to solitude presents a moment of solitude that makes regrets grow immensely as one reflects on the past roles. Methodology The study hypothesis is informed by the study done on two independent reports. The objective of these studies first is to establish the moderating role of age and its association to the self-regulation role of severe life regrets. In addition, the focus of the researcher was on the mediating role of regrets intensity to the quality of life and regretted indicators. Besides, the researcher further explores how the opportunities to undo regrets could affect the age variation in intensity both research. The researcher developed strict inclusion criteria for the participants of the study. The study highlighted that in both the comparative analysis study, the studies successfully distinguished between omissions and commission types of regrets and their influence on the age although the study had not factored in hypothesis on this. Certainly, the researcher presents a growing interest on the topic throughout the study. At this stage, the study sneaks in the concept of the relative influence of the type of regrets (Baltes & Butterworth 2012). Study 1 The researcher identified Montreal as the area of study and sampled 120 adults. The data collection was through the administering of questionnaires. In the sampled population, 62 were young adults (19-35 years) and 58 older adults (55-89) years. In addition, 56% of the population was female, and 46% had higher education. In addition, the male-female distribution did not have significant across the two age groups (Wroschet al,. 2005). Instrumentation The questionnaires included important information on each respondent, such as regrets, the perceived opportunities to undo stress, life regrets and the extent of disengagement. The important measure was their perceived opportunities to disengage from undoing the consequence of stress. During the study, the participants were informed to report the most significant omission and commission regrets. The researcher undertook a comparative analysis of young adults and older adults. During this study, the researcher hypothesized that experiences of intensive regrets would presents depressive symptoms and a health decline among older adults than young adults. Besides, the study explored the role of the age difference in undoing regrets with an interest in statistical significant figures. The projection of this study was that the older adults would have fewer opportunities to undo their regrets as compared to younger adults. In addition, the assumption was the disengagement from undoing regrets will be associated with low regrets intensity. Lastly, the researcher focus on the older adults studies on how disengagement from depressive symptoms had any health problem (Slater 2012). Study 2 Study two was done purposely to replicate the obtained age effects on opportunities the participants had to undo regrets. This study further expounded on study by highlighting whether there was a linear observation on the effects of age and ability to undue stress across the young, middle and older adults. Finally, the researcher integrated the participants, number of future goals expected in age-related participants (Dawson & Dawson 2009). Sample Study Participants Just like the previous study, the researcher used Montreal as the area of study. There was a heterogeneous age sampling in this study since its participation criteria cut across age groups. The age distribution ranged from 18-85 years with a mean of 50.06 years and a standard deviation of 20.05. In addition, there were 33% for those below 35 years, 32% 35-59 years and 35% for those above 60 years. The male was represented at 47% and 51% female participated during the study. During the second study, the researcher focused on three sample groups and conducted a comparative analysis on the effects of regrets on age. The older adults, the middle and young adult formed the sampled study groups. In this study, the researcher attempted to replicate the age factor and the opportunity to undo regrets consequences. In addition, the focus on consequence of regrets on the quality of life was conducted among the three groups. Lastly, the researcher focused on the effects of disengagement on the depressive symptoms and the health problems among the elderly group. Analysis of Study Participants In designing the study, the researcher presented the the most ideal representation in terms of the age gap on gender. There is no striking difference between male and female studies, and the success rate of questionnaires administered is significantly encouraging. In addition, the researcher had the ideal inclusive criteria for each study and by laying emphasis on older adults. The researcher showed determination in providing a crucial age-related regrets variable vary across all the age groups laying more emphasis on the elderly. Certainly, this approach is informed by the general assumption that older adults are prone to regrets, and this often leads to stress and psychological disturbance (Harric & Butterworth 2012). The researcher highlights influence of age, sex and educational status as the crucial dependent variables in studying of regrets and its effects on quality of life. It is an interesting approach that focuses on multiple variables that are totally unrelated. By integrating these variables into the study and providing a balanced gender and age group proportions, it helps to enhance credibility of the findings. Certainly, in any comparative studies, the need to ensure that participant represents all the sociological groups is crucial in enhancing credibility, validity and reliability of the findings. Results of the Studies In study one analysis, the researcher examined the main hypothesis of age-differential effect on the regrets as an independent variable in the research. Regret intensity included intrusive thoughts and negative affect and their impact on the health of the participants. The researcher used a hierarchical multiple regression study predictive pattern of depressive symptoms of regrets. Secondly, the researcher focused on the effects of age group, negative affect and intrusive thoughts were areas of concern. In the last step, the researcher analyzed the data on the interaction terms between and intrusive thoughts and age variation independently. After analysis the researcher identified that intrusive thoughts, omission and commission regrets and negative symptoms had simple effects on the adult participants health. In contrast, the depressive symptomatology significantly featured as a direct problem to the health of the participants. In addition, the study indicated that the older adults had significant disengagement from undoing stress explained the difference observed in depressive symptoms seen in younger adults. However, on further analysis of the findings the researcher identified that disengagement does not automatically predict regret intensity. In addition, the researcher observed that disengagement from any form of commission regrets had a direct influence on the symptoms of depression. From the second study, the researcher replicated the initial research, but, this time he included the young adults. The researcher obtained findings that were significantly consistent with the present hypothesis. In the findings, the researcher notes that the effects of intensive regrets amongst older adults best manifest in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the researchers identify that age affects regrets intensity to a significant level. In addition, the effect of the regrets explains the high degree of depreciation on the quality of life. Additionally, the most severe regrets of the participants originate from the immediate environment. The identified sources of regrets include partnership, home, education and work places. In each of these domains, the regret intensity may cause hopelessness leading to poor health and subsequently compromised growth and development. In addition, the regret in developmental domains is highly experienced by young and middle-age adults more than the older adults. Besides, the concept of adaptive change is important in healing chronic regrets. Adaptive change refers to the ability to undertake deliberate steps that would correct a developmental error (Laursen 2012). When a deadline for such options no longer exists, there is a period of chronic regrets. Chronic regrets represent a state of helplessness that majority of middle age adult find themselves undergoing at a later age. Baltes & Reese (2014) states that building the continued biting effects of regrets on health, the researcher identifies developmental dissatisfaction as key areas among the young and middle-aged adults. The researcher predicted a slightly different relationship between self-regulation, indicators of quality of life and regret intensity. In the findings, they highlight, although they had predicted that being engaged in undoing regrets, and lack of goals was not associated with indicators of quality of life and regret intensity. The findings indicated that the hypothesis holds only in respect to predicting indicators of quality of life. In addition, contrary to the hypothesis the researcher identified that high regret rates among young adults were caused by engaging in undoing regrets and having multiple life goals (Dawson & Dawson 2009). In other words, young adult are more prone to life regrets if they continue holding on multiple goals in life. Perhaps this is the most interesting findings by the researchers. Among the old adults disengagement from omission, regrets proved to hold an inverse relation with the depressive symptoms. In conclusion, the two studies present variables that include life goals, regrets intensity and depressive symptoms of regrets manifestation across the various age groups. The researchers findings point out t different stressors affect each age group at different levels. Among the young and middle age adults developmental challenges such as relationships, marriage, career and workplace regret presents areas of regrets. Among the older adults, regrets of unachieved goals and lack pose regrets, whichever the group regrets will yield symptoms that would significantly impair physical and mental health. However, disengagement among the older adults offers substantial reprieve from chronic regrets (Wrosch 2005). Challenges of the Research The researchers undertake a research that is totally based on the self-opinion. As a matter of fact, respondent-centered self-evaluation presents an area of subjective responds that would pose validity and reliability challenges. In addition, the high cost of research projects limited the researcher from using more comparative study groups. Importance to Profession The findings of his research will enrich the field of educational psychology immensely. The study of regrets among young adults will help the teachers to diagnose students undergoing depressive symptoms of regrets and recommend them for psychiatrist counseling. In addition, education sector will benefits by avoiding developmental regrets through the creation of career development departments to prevent career-related regrets (Leman 2012). Relevance of the Sources Used The researchers conducted a wide reading that ranges from education, sociology and psychology. With this wider approach, the researchers were interested in enhancing the reliability, appropriateness and validity of the sources of information. However, the use of Havighurst (1967) "Development task and Education" may arguably present a risk of obsolesce source as psychology is a dynamic subject. The researchers appear to use the majority of 20th century source of data that could pose relevance and timeliness challenges (Slater 2012). Conclusion The researchers provide an intensive analysis of the impact of regrets on the quality of life. The findings show an interesting observation that each age group has its unique domain that can elicit regrets. Contrary to many believes young adult just like the older adult experiences varying degree of regrets. The main areas of regrets among the young and middle adults are developmental anomalies that cause chronic stress. In circumstances where it is impossible to reverse these developmental errors these groups will grow with regrets. In addition, the life challenges at old age and futility of further achievements explain the old adult regrets (Wrosch et al,.2005). Additionally, the researchers comparative analysis shows that depressive symptoms equally affect all the age groups. The research further highlights regret among young adults is caused primarily by self-regulatory factors that are closely related to specific negative emotions and intrusion. However, the overall impact on the quality of life can be spared until middle adulthood. In addition, it was found that high intensity of regrets in young adults had no connection at all with indicators of quality of life. The research helps to unmask regrets in three perspectives that together make the quality of life. In addition, the research findings prove that disengagement and the future goals play a significant role in older adults. Lastly, the research indicates that individual difference in disengagement from undoing regrets and the access to the future goals is preventive tom old adults from developing intense regrets. Recommendation for Future Research This research provides analysis of effects of regrets across different age groups. It certainly omits the cultural and socioeconomic background consideration in its questionnaires (Nortion 2009). Although the sampling was excellently gender-sensitive there is a need to conduct more research with a view of integrating cultural background, family relationships whether single or divorce and religious background. While these factors may be ignored, they are significant contributors in studying maladaptive behavior. In addition, the research is narrow on the strategies to reverse the effects of regrets across the age groups. The future research should focus on the biggest contributors and possible remedies. References Baltes, P. B., & Reese, H. W. (2014). Life-span Developmental Psychology Introduction To Research Methods.. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Dawson, C., & Dawson, C. (2009). Introduction to research methods: a practical guide for anyone undertaking a research project (4th ed.). Oxford: How To Books. Harris, M., & Butterworth, G. (2012). Developmental Psychology A Students Handbook. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Laursen, B. P. (2012). Handbook of developmental research methods. New York: Guilford Press. Leman, P. (2012). Developmental psychology. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill. Norton, L. (2009). Action research in teaching and learning a practical guide to conducting pedagogical research in universities. London: Routledge. Slater, A. (2012). Developmental psychology: revisiting the classic studies. London: SAGE. Wrosch, C., Bauer, I., & Scheier, M. F. (2005). Regret and Quality of Life Across the Adult Life Span: The Influence of Disengagement and Available Future Goals.. Psychology and Aging, 20(4), 657-670. Read More