Borg, Sandra (2020) Exploring social connection and resilience of senior women through shared purposeful activities. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Research on successful ageing and resilient ageing suggest that a person’s engagement in social networks may help a person to adapt to the many challenges and changes a person faces as they age. As cited in research the social network of seniors may have a buffering impact upon their capacity for resilience, that is capacity to ‘bounce back’ from life adversities. Further older women face many challenges as they age due to changes to their health, lifestyle and social networks. Research has explored how women’s engagement in shared leisure and volunteering with others may enhance their sense of well-being and provide a source of social support in later life. In exploring social connection and resilience of senior women through their shared group leisure or volunteering activities, the research data is based upon the subjective experience of a cohort of six senior women, aged 55 years and older, residing in regional Queensland. Qualitative research using semi-structured interviewing was conducted with the participants. The method of analysis for the qualitative research project is thematic analysis. The research project obtained an in-depth understanding of the meaning, value and positive resources (including resilience and social well-being) that senior women attribute and obtain through participation in shared leisure or purposeful groups. Findings of the study indicate support for the theoretical perspectives of the convoy model of social relations, Erikison’s theory of generativity and a life course approach in the study of social connection and resilience of the senior women cohort as pertains to capacity for adaptive ageing. Findings of the study may be useful to other researchers in supporting services for older persons in the community.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Jan du Preez |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jun 2025 02:32 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jun 2025 02:32 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Resilience; social connection; senior women; wellbeing; ageing; successful ageing; regional; thematic analysis. |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52167 |
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