A New Approach to Fear of Falls From Connections With the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Literature.

Authors: Adamczewska, N. and Nyman, S.R.

Journal: Gerontol Geriatr Med

Volume: 4

Pages: 2333721418796238

ISSN: 2333-7214

DOI: 10.1177/2333721418796238

Abstract:

Fear of falling (FoF) is as an important psychological problem among older people. While it has been researched for around four decades, paradoxically there is no agreed definition of FoF. Confusion over the definition of FoF inhibits current understanding of empirical findings. The objective of this article is to critique current definitions of FoF and to present a novel theoretical model that aims to resolve theoretical misunderstanding. A narrative review was conducted to present definitions of FoF and concepts often conflated with it including fall-related self-efficacy and anxiety. Then, by drawing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) theory and research, we present clear distinctions between the concepts. We argue that the presence or absence of anxiety determines whether FoF becomes maladaptive or adaptive, respectively, and that enhancing self-efficacy is key to optimizing postfall psychological recovery. The theoretical clarity presented will aid future research and application of evidence to the benefit older people.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31041/

Source: PubMed

A New Approach to Fear of Falls From Connections With the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Literature

Authors: Adamczewska, N. and Nyman, S.R.

Journal: GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Volume: 4

eISSN: 2333-7214

DOI: 10.1177/2333721418796238

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31041/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

A new approach to fear of falls from connections with the post-traumatic stress disorder literature

Authors: Adamczewska, N. and Nyman, S.R.

Journal: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

Abstract:

Fear of falling (FoF) is as an important psychological problem amongst older people. While it has been researched for around four decades, paradoxically there is no agreed definition of FoF. Confusion over the definition of fear of falling inhibits current understanding of empirical findings. The objective of this paper is to critique current definitions of FoF and to present a novel theoretical model that aims to resolve theoretical misunderstanding. A narrative review was conducted to present definitions of FoF and concepts often conflated with it including fall-related self-efficacy and anxiety. Then, by drawing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) theory and research, we present clear distinctions between the concepts. We argue that the presence or absence of anxiety determines whether FoF becomes maladaptive or adaptive respectively, and that enhancing self-efficacy is key to optimizing post-fall psychological recovery. The theoretical clarity presented will aid future research and application of evidence to the benefit older people.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31041/

Source: Manual

A New Approach to Fear of Falls From Connections With the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Literature.

Authors: Adamczewska, N. and Nyman, S.R.

Journal: Gerontology & geriatric medicine

Volume: 4

Pages: 2333721418796238

eISSN: 2333-7214

ISSN: 2333-7214

DOI: 10.1177/2333721418796238

Abstract:

Fear of falling (FoF) is as an important psychological problem among older people. While it has been researched for around four decades, paradoxically there is no agreed definition of FoF. Confusion over the definition of FoF inhibits current understanding of empirical findings. The objective of this article is to critique current definitions of FoF and to present a novel theoretical model that aims to resolve theoretical misunderstanding. A narrative review was conducted to present definitions of FoF and concepts often conflated with it including fall-related self-efficacy and anxiety. Then, by drawing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) theory and research, we present clear distinctions between the concepts. We argue that the presence or absence of anxiety determines whether FoF becomes maladaptive or adaptive, respectively, and that enhancing self-efficacy is key to optimizing postfall psychological recovery. The theoretical clarity presented will aid future research and application of evidence to the benefit older people.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31041/

Source: Europe PubMed Central

A new approach to fear of falls from connections with the post-traumatic stress disorder literature

Authors: Adamczewska, N. and Nyman, S.R.

Journal: Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

Volume: 4

ISSN: 2333-7214

Abstract:

Fear of falling (FoF) is as an important psychological problem amongst older people. While it has been researched for around four decades, paradoxically there is no agreed definition of FoF. Confusion over the definition of fear of falling inhibits current understanding of empirical findings. The objective of this paper is to critique current definitions of FoF and to present a novel theoretical model that aims to resolve theoretical misunderstanding. A narrative review was conducted to present definitions of FoF and concepts often conflated with it including fall-related self-efficacy and anxiety. Then, by drawing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) theory and research, we present clear distinctions between the concepts. We argue that the presence or absence of anxiety determines whether FoF becomes maladaptive or adaptive respectively, and that enhancing self-efficacy is key to optimizing post-fall psychological recovery. The theoretical clarity presented will aid future research and application of evidence to the benefit older people.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31041/

Source: BURO EPrints