PhD Oral Exam - Irene Giannis, Psychology

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

Older adulthood spans over 30 years of life and involves marked differences in opportunities and constraints for goal pursuit. Two control strategies; goal engagement and selfprotection facilitate adaptative responses to stressors; goal engagement supports well-being among controllable stressors, whereas self-protection is protective among uncontrollable stressors. Given that uncontrollable stress typically increases across older adulthood, older adults may need to flexibly adapt their control strategy use. However, to date, little research has examined such strategies across older adulthood, and whether within-person fluctuations can be adaptive as one negotiates changing opportunities and challenges from early to advanced old age.

Study 1 investigated health-specific goal engagement strategies (HECS) and selfprotection among 190 older adults who experienced chronic illness across 14 years. Within- and between-person analyses demonstrated self-protection predicted improved outcomes, while HECS was not associated with any outcomes. Furthermore, an age effect suggested that the adaptive value of HECS may decline from early to advanced old age.

Study 2 examined self-protection and goal engagement among older adults experiencing life regret. 246 older adults were followed across 4 years. Within-and between-person results showed that self-protection was associated with improved well-being. An age effect suggested that self-protection may become especially protective in advanced old age.

Study 3 followed 138 older adults from pre-to during COVID (2019, 2021) and examined potential differences in predictive strength of control strategy use prior and during the pandemic. High pandemic-levels of self-protection predicted improved well-being and particularly among those encountering uncontrollable daily stress. Well-being decreased among older adults who encountering controllable stress with high pandemic-levels of goal engagement.

Overall, the findings outlined hold implications for personality, aging, and health research. The results suggest that control strategies operate at a within-and between-person level and that both sources of fluctuation have important effects on well-being. Self-protection consistently predicted improved well-being and may be particularly beneficial in advanced old age. The effects of goal engagement were mixed and suggest reductions in adaptive value compared to earlier in the lifespan. By emphasizing within-person and age effects, the present dissertation contributes to motivational theories of lifespan development and identifies pathways to successful aging.