Association Between Self-Critical Rumination and Attitudes Toward Aging Among Older Adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between self-critical rumination and attitudes toward aging in older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed between December 2024 and September 2025 with 391 older adults in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Self-Critical Rumination Scale (SCRS) and the European Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (EAAQ). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. RESULTS: A moderately strong negative correlation was found between SCRS and EAAQ total scores (r = -.518, p < .001). Higher SCRS scores were positively correlated with the EAAQ psychosocial loss subscale (r = .507, p < .001) and negatively correlated with physical change and psychological growth subscales (p < .001). Self-critical rumination accounted for 26.9% of the variance in attitudes toward aging (B = -.896, R2 = .269, p < .001). Participants with higher income, better perceived health, no sleep problems, and regular eating habits reported lower rumination and more positive attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated self-critical rumination was associated with more negative attitudes toward aging, particularly regarding psychosocial loss. Health-related factors significantly influenced both rumination and attitudes toward aging. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Targeted cognitive-behavioral interventions and health-promoting strategies, implemented by psychiatric nurses, may support positive aging attitudes and psychological well-being in older adults.

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