Arunya Tuicomepee

Thai Adolescent Survivors 1 Year after the 2004 Tsunami: A Mixed Methods Study.

This study examined the impact of the 2004 Asian tsunami on 400 Thai adolescents 1 year after the disaster. Quantitative analyses showed that youth behavior problems were positively associated with tsunami experiences and negatively associated with positive family functioning. Tsunami exposure, school connectedness, religious beliefs and practices, and availability of mental health services did not predict behavior problems. Sequential regression analysis was performed with age, gender, tsunami experiences, and family functioning predicting youth behavior problems. In-depth interviews with 40 adolescents revealed many losses and difficulties after the tsunami, including death of parents and school difficulties. Positive aspects of recovery were support from family, peers, and other social networks and increased educational opportunities.

Influence of emotional regulation on successful aging among Thai older adults

Purpose Successful aging represents a positive development in older adults. The emphasis on aging well has sought to understand resources such as emotional regulation that facilitates healthy and happy aging. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of two common emotional regulation strategies (i.e. cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) on successful aging among Thai older adults. Design/methodology/approach The participants selected for this paper were 150 older adults living in Bangkok and adjacent areas. Their mean age was 69.7 (±6.7) years old. Instruments were the Successful Aging Inventory and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Each participant voluntarily completed an individual self -reported questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that the two emotional regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) have collectively explained 6 percent of the variance of successful aging. The cognitive reappraisal strategy was a sole significant predictor (β=0.20). Originality/value Promoting emotional regulation strategies in particular a cognitive reappraisal strategy among Thai older adults can facilitate their cognitive functioning, and their successful aging.