Sample interview questions: Can you explain your familiarity with age-related changes in emotional regulation and how it impacts the mental health of older adults?
Sample answer:
- Emotional Regulation Changes with Age:
As individuals age, their emotion regulation abilities may undergo notable changes. These changes can encompass:
-
Reduced Emotional Reactivity: Many older adults exhibit reduced emotional reactivity, meaning they may display less intense emotional responses to various situations. This can be attributed to accumulated life experiences, cognitive changes, and altered neurotransmitter functioning.
-
Increased Emotion Regulation Strategies: Older adults often develop and rely on various emotion regulation strategies to manage their emotions effectively. These strategies include cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, and seeking social support.
-
Emotion Dysregulation: Some older adults may experience emotion dysregulation, characterized by difficulty controlling or expressing emotions appropriately. This can manifest as heightened emotional responses, emotional outbursts, or difficulty returning to a baseline emotional state.
-
Impact on Mental Health:
Age-related changes in emotional regulation can have significant implications for the mental health of older adults:
-
Depression: Difficulty regulating emotions can increase the risk of depression in older adults. Unresolved or poorly managed negative emotions can contribute to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anhedonia.
-
Anxiety Disorders: Impaired emotional regulation may also heighten the risk of anxiety disorder… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_35/Geriatric%20Counselor