Core idea

Being proactive and persistent in countering health problems leads to greater health – both physically and mentally.  This study examined “health-engagement control strategies” (HECS) which is a measure of how actively one engages in countering physical health problems.

What they say

This was a 2-year follow-up study that examined participants aged 72 years old. The researchers measured chronic health problems and difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL), daily physical symptoms, and health engagement control strategies (HECS).  Participants were asked to report at bedtime on 3 typical days whether they had experienced any of 12 physical health symptoms during the day (e.g. chest pain, joint pain, shortness of breath). The researchers counted the total number of symptoms experienced across the 3 days.  Depressive mood and cortisol secretion (a physiological measure of stress) were measured.

To measure health-engagement control strategies (HECS) the researchers gave a nine item survey that asked things like “If I have a health problem that gets worse, I put in even more effort to get better,”  “If I develop a new health problem, I immediately get help from a health professional (e.g., doctor, nurse),” and “When I decide to do something about a health problem, I am confident that I will achieve it.” Health control strategies include devoting time and energy to addressing health challenges, seeking help when encountering health problems, and being committed toward overcoming threats to physical health.

The researchers found that older persons who did not engage in HECS experienced high levels of daily physical symptoms and more symptoms of chronic health problems. The number of symptoms grew over the two-years that the study was conducted.  People who experienced high levels of daily physical symptoms and did not engage in strategies to overcome their health problems also experienced both more chronic health problems and more problems with activities of daily living.  Higher levels of physical symptoms were associated with an increase in health problems for people who scored low on the HECS (the higher the score the better).

What it means

Health-engagement control strategies (HECS) have several benefits, they can prevent depressive symptoms, and they can provide emotional benefits which lessen cortisol levels. Thus actively coming up with ways to overcome physical health problems can lessen the negative impact of physical symptoms on older adult’s chronic health problems and activities of daily living. Daily physical symptoms may be a sign of developing illness and can become serious health problems if they are not addressed.

References

Wrosch, C. & Schulz, R. (2008). “Health-Engagement Control Strategies and 2-Year Changes in Older Adults’ Physical Health.” Psychological Science, 19(6), 537-541.