Affiliations: Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of
Health Science, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Ms Caroline Howe, Ageing, Work and
Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Science, University of Sydney,
Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9351 9573; Fax: +61 2 9351 9540;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: The specific aim of this study was to explore
psychological well-being in workers and retirees and compare responses from
people who came from an overseas-born population and those from an Australian
born. Participants: Participants were self-selected, voluntary, informed
research participants aged 50 years and older. One hundred and ninety-five
people born in Australia and retiring in Australia and 91 people born overseas
retiring in Australia responded to an internet-based survey that comprised the
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the PTSD Checklist, the Satisfaction with
Life Scale and the Duke Social Support Index. Method: Two-way analysis of
variance was conducted for dependent variables against: (1) being born in
Australia Yes/No, and (2) Retired/Employed. Results: In terms of
adjustment to retirement the findings indicate no significant differences in
psychological symptoms during the retirement transition phase between
populations. Conclusion: Further research needs to be carried out to
consider the role of possible explanatory factors that may contribute to the
psychological transition to retirement.
Keywords: Acculturation, retirement transition, wellbeing, Internet research
