Evaluating a PERMA model intervention for reducing essentialist beliefs and enhancing well-being among older adults

Essentialist beliefs refer to the assumption that social categories possess inherent, unchangeable characteristics or an underlying ‘essence.’ In the context of ageing, such beliefs imply that ageing is a biologically predetermined process that cannot be altered. Holding these rigid views can be detrimental to an individual’s life and well-being, particularly in later years. The current study focuses on exploring the dynamic interplay between essentialist beliefs and well-being among older adult population. It also assesses the effectiveness of a PERMA model–based intervention in reducing essentialist beliefs and promoting well-being. Essentialist Beliefs about Ageing Questionnaire and the PERMA Profiler were used for this study. Essentialist beliefs were found to be negatively associated with well-being among older adults. The PERMA model–based intervention demonstrated efficacy in reducing essentialist beliefs and enhancing well-being. Despite the respondents endorsing strong essentialist beliefs about ageing, a substantial proportion also reported high levels of well-being. This pattern suggests that sociodemographic factors may play an important protective role, potentially buffering the negative impact of essentialist beliefs on the ageing experience. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining favourable and flexible view on ageing for higher levels of well-being during old age. This research also emphasises on the significance of performing simple daily activities as a means of the intervention in reducing essentialist beliefs and enhancing the level of well-being during later life.