The Relationship Between Decision-Making Styles and Social Adaptation in Retired Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Spirituality

  In the aging period, especially after retirement, the ability to adapt becomes one of the most significant challenges, highlighting the necessity of examining related factors and dimensions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate decision-making styles and social adaptation through the mediating role of spirituality in retired men in Ramshir, Iran. This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. The statistical population included retired men over 60 years old in Ramshir in 2023-2024, among whom 200 individuals were selected as the sample through convenience sampling, and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection tools included Bosc et al.’s social adaptation questionnaire, Scott and Bruce's decision-making styles questionnaire, and Hall and Edwards’s spirituality scale. For data analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in SPSS-22 and Smart-PLS version 3.2.8 software. The results indicated that the relationship between decision-making style and social adaptation is significant. Additionally, the relationship between spirituality and decision-making style was significant. Moreover, the study results showed that spirituality plays a mediating role in the relationship between decision-making styles and social adaptation. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended that specialists and consultants in the field of aging focus on decision-making styles to address the maladjustment during the aging period. Given the modifiability of decision-making styles, training and intervention for changing them should be pursued. Additionally, emphasizing logotherapy and engaging in spiritual activities can significantly enhance adaptation and social adaptation.