Korean J Adult Nurs.  2025 Nov;37(4):515-527. 10.7475/kjan.2025.0819.

Impact of Disability Acceptance on Life Satisfaction among Older Adults with Disabilities: A Longitudinal Comparative Study of the Pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and Pandemic Periods (2020–2022)

• Kim H
• Shin SR

• KMID: 2574293
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2025.0819

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the multiple mediating effects of self-esteem, depression, and crisis coping on the relationship between disability acceptance and life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities, comparing periods before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: This study employed a longitudinal comparative design, using data from waves 1–5 of the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel. The sample was divided into pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and pandemic (2020–2022) periods. Roy’s adaptation model served as the theoretical framework. Multiple mediation effects were examined using the PROCESS macro (Model 6). Results: Both the direct and indirect effects of disability acceptance on life satisfaction were significant, indicating partial mediation. In the pre-pandemic period, approximately 60% of the total effect was attributable to the direct effect and 40% to the indirect effect. During the pandemic, the proportion shifted, with the direct effect decreasing to 49% and the total indirect effect increasing to 51%. Conclusion: In crisis situations such as a pandemic, self-esteem, depression, and crisis coping play crucial roles in improving life satisfaction among older adults with disabilities. These findings highlight the need for policy approaches that consider diverse socio-psychological factors to increase life satisfaction among older adults during pandemics.

Keyword

Disability acceptance; Life satisfaction; Self-esteem; Depression; Crisis coping