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Doing Good, Feeling Good, and Having More: Resources Mediate the Health Benefits of Altruism Differently for Males and Females with Lumbar Spine Disorders

Abstract  

We evaluated whether resources mediate and/or moderate the relationship between altruism and health outcomes in adults with
lumbar spine disorders. Hierarchical regression modeling on 243 persons with lumbar spine disorders evaluated gender differences
and whether physical, emotional, and economic resources mediated or moderated the relationship between altruism (Schwartz
Altruism) and health (Rand-36, PROMIS Pain Impact). Men and women had similar altruism subscale scores, but there were gender
differences in the altruism-health relationships. Both men and women had better mental health with higher levels of Community
Connection, after adjusting for Community Pressure, and this effect was mediated by emotional resources. Women evidenced better
physical health and less pain impact when they endorsed higher levels of Community Connection and/or General Helping aspects
of altruism. Physical and economic resources partially but did not fully mediate women’s altruism-physical health link. The
altruism-pain impact link was not significant after adjusting for covariates. Men and women report similar levels of altruism
but enjoy different benefits. Emotional resources explained the altruism-mental health link in both genders, but women experienced
a physical health benefit of altruism that was not mediated by resources. Future research should test causal relationships.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-17
  • DOI 10.1007/s11482-012-9165-y
  • Authors
    • Carolyn E. Schwartz, DeltaQuest Foundation, 31 Mitchell Road, Concord, MA 01742, USA
    • Brian R. Quaranto, DeltaQuest Foundation, 31 Mitchell Road, Concord, MA 01742, USA
    • Rita Bode, DeltaQuest Foundation, 31 Mitchell Road, Concord, MA 01742, USA
    • Joel A. Finkelstein, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Section Head, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
    • Paul A. Glazer, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
    • Mirjam A. G. Sprangers, Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    • Journal Applied Research in Quality of Life
    • Online ISSN 1871-2576
    • Print ISSN 1871-2584
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 02/14/2012 | Link to this post on IFP |
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