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Divergent Thinking in Older Adults: Understanding its Role in Well-being

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the nature of the relationship between Divergent Thinking and Well-being. Two theoretical models about the relationship between Divergent thinking, Psychological well-being and Life Satisfaction were tested. A total of 152 subjects between 65 and 84 years old participated in the study. Final model emphasises the idea that PWB is affected by DT and that PWB is also significantly related to LS. The model also highlights the importance of four dimensions of well-being: environmental mastery, life purpose, personal growth and self-acceptance. The goodness-of-fit indexes confirmed the existence of a significant relationship between DT and well-being, and between the latter and life satisfaction. Nevertheless, the final model did not confirm a direct link between DT and life satisfaction, only an indirect relationship through psychological well-being. These results help to understand that successful living in older adulthood requires effort and personal investment. Intervention programs for the elderly should consider the promotion of DT skills through individual and group activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Vicente Alfonso-Benlliure, Alicia Sales & Juan Carlos Mélendez

  2. Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain

    Teresa Mayordomo

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  1. Vicente Alfonso-Benlliure
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Correspondence to Vicente Alfonso-Benlliure.

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Alfonso-Benlliure, V., Mayordomo, T., Sales, A. et al. Divergent Thinking in Older Adults: Understanding its Role in Well-being. J Happiness Stud 22, 3285–3298 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-021-00361-w

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