Universidade de São Francisco, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Psicologia
Doi
Abstract
The authors examined the mediation effect of the perceived motor ability (PMA) on the
direct “effects” of age (third vs. fourth age) and residential status (institutionalized vs.
communitarians) on selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategies. With a
non-probabilistic sample of 107 elders (Mdn = 80 years) from urban areas, and
controlled for cognitive impairment and depression, the authors analysed the structural
component of the path model with latent constructs that represents those relationships.
This was made only after the structural validity of the constructs had been assured.
Constructs were operationalized through the PMA questionnaire and a 16-item version
of the SOC questionnaire. Only age had direct effects on the constructs: lower PMA and
lower SOC of the elders in the fourth age. Authors also verified that the PMA mediation
effect was partial
