The Mediating Role of Gratitude in the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Psychological Resilience in Elderly Individuals: The Case of Malatya

The old-age period can be seen as an important experience point in the psychological resilience process. In this sense, the high levels of gratitude and self-efficacy of elderly individuals increase their psychological resilience. This study aimed to examine the gratitude, self-efficacy, and psychological resilience levels of elderly individuals. In addition, the study investigated whether the variables differ according to gender. 78 female (39%) and 122 male (61%) elderly individuals participated in the study. Brief Psychological Resilience Scale (BPRS), General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Gratitude Scales were applied to 200 participants in the Elderly Care Center. In this analysis using a relational screening model, the mediator role analysis of Baron and Kenny was performed to determine the mediator effect of life satisfaction together with a t-test. The findings of the study showed that there is a positive relationship between self-efficacy, gratitude, and psychological resilience. The gratitude was determined to have a mediating role in the relationship between the participants' self-efficacy and psychological resilience. Accordingly, developing the gratitude and self-efficacy skills of the elderly people in elderly care centers or carrying out activities related to this may be beneficial. Thus, it would be appropriate to conduct programs that focus more on self-efficacy and gratitude as two important conditions for preserving the psychological resilience of the elderly.