Exploring the Mediating Role of Shame in the Link between Oral Health and Psychopathology in Older Adults
Abstract
Christos Tsironis, Stefanos Mantzoukas, Fotios Tatsis, Michael Kourakos, Epaminondas Diamantopou-los, Elena Dragioti1 and Mary Gouva
Aim: The objective of this study is to explore whether shame mediates the relationship between oral health and psychopathology among elder individuals.
Methods: The findings of this cross-sectional study are derived from data collected from a sample of 204 patients, including 120 females and 84 males, aged between 60 and 92 years, with an average age of 74.2 years (SD = 7.1). Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the 12-item GOHAI scale, the Experiential Shame Scale (ESS), the Other as Shamer Scale (OAS), and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Path analysis was applied in order to test the model that was theoretically developed. In the examined path model, age, gender, medication, oral health (GOHAI) and shame (OAS, ESS), were regressed on psychopathology (GSI), while shame was positioned as mediator in the relation between oral health and psychopathology.
Results: Oral health found to have a significant negative effect on both external and internal shame. In turn, both flavours of shame were significant regressors of psychopathology. A noteworthy indirect impact of age on both forms of shame through oral health was also reported as well as an indirect effect of oral health on psychopathology through both internal and external shame. Thus, the relationship between oral health and psychopathology is fully mediated by both internal and external shame. Specifically, as oral health improves, lower levels of external and internal shame are expected to induce a more favorable mental state.
Conclusions: As individual’s age and their oral health declines, they become more susceptible to feelings of shame, which, in turn, can have profound implications for their psychological well-being. The importance of considering oral health as an integral component of overall well-being is emphasized and its relevance in the context of mental health is highlighted.