Positive Psychological Predictors of Psychological Health in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress; however, minimal research has examined positive psychological variables in this population. The present study investigated the relationship between positive psychological variables and psychological health in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The sample included 140 adults with Parkinson’s Disease who completed online surveys on self-compassion, optimism, posttraumatic growth, and psychological health outcomes. Participants reported moderate levels of self-compassion, optimism, and posttraumatic growth. Approximately 50% of participants reported depression and anxiety. Higher self-compassion was a significant predictor of lower depression, anxiety, and stress. Higher optimism was a significant predictor of lower depression and higher life satisfaction. Posttraumatic growth was not a predictor of psychological health. This research suggests that the psychological health of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease can be improved, and self-compassion appears to be an important area of focus.