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Somatic Symptom Disorder and Cynicism as Predictors of Mental Health Among Older Adults in Southern Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

John U. M. Ibanga, Hildah Fubara John

Abstract

Background: Mental health problems among older adults are an emerging public health concern in Nigeria due to population ageing, chronic illnesses, social isolation, and limited access to geriatric mental health services. Somatic symptom disorder and cynicism have each been associated with poor psychological well-being; however, evidence on their combined influence on the mental health of older adults in Southern Nigeria remains limited. Objective: This study examined the independent and combined predictive influence of somatic symptom disorder and cynicism on the mental health of older adults in Southern Nigeria. Method: A correlational research design was adopted. The study involved 398 community- dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above selected through a multistage sampling technique from urban and rural communities across the South-South, South-East, and South-West geopolitical zones of Southern Nigeria. Data were collected using standardized measures of somatic symptom disorder, cynicism, and mental health with satisfactory psychometric properties. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analyses tested the relationships and predictive effects at the 0.05 significance level using SPSS Version 27. Results: Significant negative relationships were found between somatic symptom disorder, cynicism, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis showed that both predictors jointly exerted a significant influence on mental health, F(2, 395) = 118.45, p < .001, explaining 37.5% of the variance (R2 = .375; Adjusted R2 = .372). Both variables made significant independent contributions, indicating that greater somatic symptoms and higher levels of cynicism were associated with poorer mental health. Conclusion: Somatic symptom disorder and cynicism are significant predictors of mental health among older adults in Southern Nigeria. The findings provide empirical evidence supporting the integration of psychological assessment, cognitive restructuring, and somatic symptom management into counselling interventions while informing culturally responsive policies and programmes that promote healthy ageing and improved psychological well-being among older adults. Unique Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence on the combined influence of somatic symptom disorder and cynicism on the mental health of older adults in Nigeria. It advances understanding of psychosocial factors affecting healthy ageing and emphasizes the need for culturally responsive counselling interventions and mental health programmes that incorporate psychological assessment, cognitive restructuring, and somatic symptom management to improve the well-being of older adults. Key Recommendation: Counselling programmes for older adults should integrate routine assessment and evidence-based interventions targeting somatic symptom disorder and cynicism to improve mental health outcomes and enhance healthy ageing in Southern Nigeria.

Keywords

Somatic symptom disorderCynicismMental HealthOlder AdultsCounsellingSouthern Nigeria

References

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