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The Phenomenology Of Masters Alpine Ski Racers: Experiencing Ski Racing In Old Age, Carly Litchfield Aug 2016

The Phenomenology Of Masters Alpine Ski Racers: Experiencing Ski Racing In Old Age, Carly Litchfield

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis is a study of the lived experience of ten older adult alpine ski racers in their continued participation in ski racing. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of these older adults as they continued to compete in ski racing. Masters skiers between the ages of 69 and 82 participated in individual interviews lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. Data analysis was completed using van Manen’s phenomenological methods and the visual technique of mind mapping. The major theme that emerged was the importance of being a ski racer to participants’ identities. The …


The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Resiliency, And Mental Health In Older Adults: The Mediating Role Of Savouring, Claire A. Wilson Jul 2016

The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence, Resiliency, And Mental Health In Older Adults: The Mediating Role Of Savouring, Claire A. Wilson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Traditionally, mental and physical health have been considered indicators of successful aging. However, resiliency, the propensity to bounce back from negative events, is beginning to emerge as an important aspect of aging successfully. Further, possessing emotional intelligence (EI) has been associated with improved physical and mental health. Positive emotions consistently demonstrate numerous mental and physical health benefits, however savouring, the process through which positive emotions are focused on, has comparatively been under-studied. The present study hypothesized that savouring, resiliency and EI would predict physical health in older adults, and that savouring would mediate the relationship between resiliency, EI, and mental …


Testing The Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide In Community - Residing Older Adults, Dorian Murariu Feb 2016

Testing The Interpersonal Theory Of Suicide In Community - Residing Older Adults, Dorian Murariu

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Suicide rates among older adults are high in Canada and around the world. Evidence-informed and theory-driven research on late life suicide may help to devise effective interventions to reduce suicide rates among older adults. In this thesis, I tested the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS: Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al, 2010) using data collected from a community-based sample of older adults recruited for a larger study designed to assess risk and resiliency factors for late life suicide (Dr. Marnin Heisel, PI). According to the IPTS, (Hypothesis 1) the interpersonal constructs of perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB) can …