Awareness of self and age-related changes: patterns in adults experiencing mental health issues

The aim of this study is to explore how mental health awareness is intertwined with the perception of age-related changes in adults with psychological and social vulnerabilities. The research examines two constructs: Awareness of Age-Related Changes, which measures positive and negative perceptions of aging, and Recovery, which assesses the level of awareness and involvement in one's personal growth and illness management. Forty-four adults participated, divided between a day rehabilitation center and residential facilities of the Fondazione Pizzuto in Padua, all with a long-term history of mental disorders or social vulnerabilities. Participants completed the AARC-50 and RAS-DS questionnaires, accompanied by sociodemographic and open-ended questions about their daily routines. The results show that, overall, participants perceive more age-related gains than losses, especially in the emotional and relational domains, while the greatest fragilities emerge in the physical domain. Correlation analysis highlights significant associations between some dimensions of the two constructs: specifically, engaging in meaningful activities and feeling capable of managing one's condition are linked to a greater perception of positive changes with age. However, no direct correlations emerge with perceptions of loss, except for a negative relationship between sense of belonging and socio-emotional losses. The comparison between day centers and residential facilities shows no statistically significant differences. Overall, the results indicate that self-awareness, ability to manage one's mental health, and perception of age-related changes are partially interconnected.

The aim of this study is to explore how mental health awareness is intertwined with the perception of age-related changes in adults with psychological and social vulnerabilities. The research examines two constructs: Awareness of Age-Related Changes, which measures positive and negative perceptions of aging, and Recovery, which assesses the level of awareness and involvement in one's personal growth and illness management. Forty-four adults participated, divided between a day rehabilitation center and residential facilities of the Pizzuto Foundation in Padua, all with a long-term history of mental disorders or social vulnerabilities. Participants completed the AARC-50 and RAS-DS questionnaires, accompanied by sociodemographic and open-ended questions about their daily routines. The results show that, overall, participants perceive more age-related gains than losses, especially in the emotional and relational domains, while the greatest fragilities emerge in the physical domain. Correlation analysis highlights significant associations between some dimensions of the two constructs: specifically, engaging in meaningful activities and feeling capable of managing one's condition are linked to a greater perception of positive changes with age. However, no direct correlations emerge with perceptions of loss, except for a negative relationship between sense of belonging and socio-emotional losses. The comparison between day centers and residential facilities shows no statistically significant differences. Overall, the results indicate that self-awareness, ability to manage one's mental health, and perception of age-related changes are partially interconnected.