Association Between Self-Critical Rumination and Attitudes Toward Aging Among Older Adults

Objectives: This study examined the association between self-critical rumination and attitudes toward aging in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed between December 2024 and September 2025 with 391 older adults in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Self-Critical Rumination Scale (SCRS) and the European Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (EAAQ). Analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: A moderately strong negative correlation was found between SCRS and EAAQ total scores (r = –.518, p <.001). Higher SCRS scores were positively correlated with the EAAQ psychosocial loss subscale (r =.507, p <.001) and negatively correlated with physical change and psychological growth subscales (p <.001). Self-critical rumination accounted for 26.9% of the variance in attitudes toward aging (B = –.896, R2 =.269, p <.001). Participants with higher income, better perceived health, no sleep problems, and regular eating habits reported lower rumination and more positive attitudes. Conclusions: Elevated self-critical rumination was associated with more negative attitudes toward aging, particularly regarding psychosocial loss. Health-related factors significantly influenced both rumination and attitudes toward aging. Clinical Implications: Targeted cognitive-behavioral interventions and health-promoting strategies, implemented by psychiatric nurses, may support positive aging attitudes and psychological well-being in older adults.