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Differences in Person-Environment Congruence between Microenvironments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Milton F. Nehrke ,
John B. Morganti ,
Stanley H. Cohen ,
Irene M. Hulicka ,
Susan K. Whitbourne ,
Ralph R. Turner  and
Jerry F. Cataldo
Milton F. Nehrke
Affiliation:
V.A. Medical Center, Bath, New York
John B. Morganti
Affiliation:
State University College at Buffalo
Stanley H. Cohen
Affiliation:
West Virginia University
Irene M. Hulicka
Affiliation:
State University College at Buffalo
Susan K. Whitbourne
Affiliation:
University of Rochester
Ralph R. Turner
Affiliation:
Abt Associates, Cambridge, MA
Jerry F. Cataldo
Affiliation:
State University College at Buffalo
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Abstract

In the Person-Environment (P-E) Congruence model, psychological well-being is proposed to be a function of the degree of fit between the perceived environment and the important needs of the individual; and, that in more restricted environments, the relationship is stronger. The present study examined, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, the Congruence levels and well-being of elderly veterans (N = 165) in four microenvironments within a single instutition. Congruence was assessed using the multidimensional Environmental Perception, Preference and Importance Scale (EPPIS). Well-being was measured using the PGC Moral Scale, the Life Satisfaction Index A and a semantic differential self-concept scale. There were significant microenvironment differences on three of the 15 EPPIS dimensions; the P-E Congruence scores were predictive of well-being; and, the specific dimensions predictive of well-being varied across microenvironments, criterion of well-being and time. The data reinforces the notion that treatment programs must be individualized and that the P-E model, operationalized in the EPPIS, may serve as a viable clinical tool.

Résumé

Le modéle Person-Environment (P-E) Congruence veut que le bien-être phychique soit fonction de l'adaptation du milieu perçu aux besoins du sujet; en milieu restreint, ces deux facteurs sont étroitement liés. La présente étude transversale et longitudinale fait état des niveaux de congruence et de bien-être chez les anciens combattants âgés (N = 165) observés dans quatre micromilieux au sein de la même institution. Les mesures ont été obtenues de la maniére suivante: application à la congruence de l'échelle multidimensionnelle EPPIS (Environment Perception, Preference and Importance Scale); application au bien-être psychique de l'échelle d'évaluation du moral PGC Morale Scale, de l'indice de satisfaction Life Satisfaction Index A et de l'échelle différentielle sémantique du concept de soi-même. Sur 15 dimensions de l'échelle EPPIS, trois révélent des différences significatives entre les micromilieux; les cotes du P-E Congruence prédisent le degré de bien-être; les dimensions spécifiques qui prédisent le bien-être varient selon les micromilieux, le critère du bien-être ainsi que dans le temps. Les données obtenues étayent le principe voulant que l'individualisation des programmes thérapeutiques soit souhaitable, et confirment la valeur pour la clinique du modèle P-E rendu opérationnel par le EPPIS.

Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 3 , Issue 3 , September 1984 , pp. 117 - 132
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1984

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