Norm O’rourke
Biographic Data
| ID | 767983 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Norm O’rourke |
| GIVEN NAMES | Norm |
| FAMILY NAME | O’rourke |
| SIGNATURE | O’ROURKE N |
| AFFILIATIONS | Ben-Gurion University of the Negev |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-5100-427X |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 22 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 63 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 22 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1999 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Predictors of Support for Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide (Epas) Among Older Adults in Israel
Background: Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (EPAS) are highly contentious topics with significant medical, legal, and cultural implications. Previous research suggests that various sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial factors determine attitudes toward EPAS. This study set out to identify psychosocial predictors of support for EPAS. We hypothesized that perceived control, self-efficacy, and social support would each predict suppor…
Reciprocal Effects of Marital Idealization and Marital Satisfaction Between Long-Wed Spouses Over Time
Marital idealization is defined as an interpersonal mode of self-deception whereby husbands and wives convey an exceedingly positive portrayal of their spouse and relationship (e.g., “My spouse has never made me angry”). For the Marriage and Health Study, we obtained responses from 119 long-wed couples at baseline, 1- and 2-years later ( M = 34 years married). We first computed and compared contemporaneous actor-partner interdependence models (AP…
Covid-19 and Mental Health of Minority Arab Higher-Education Students in Israel: Social, Economic, and Academic Factors
The mental health and well-being of higher-education students is a topic of growing interest. COVID-19 impacted higher education in many ways and the challenges were especially pronounced for minority students. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Arab minority students in Israel in relation to social, academic, and financial factors. We recruited 420 Arab higher-education students enrolled in academic colleges or un…
Social Support and Symptoms of Depression in Late Life: Bidirectional Associations over Time
Social support functions as an effective buffer against depression, especially among older adults with limited social networks. For the current study, we examined longitudinal bidirectional associations between social support and depression among those 75+ years of age. We recruited and followed a sample of Israeli adults 75+ years of age (N = 824; M = 80.84; range 75-96 years). Structured interviews were conducted in the homes of participants at…
Temporal Stability of Responses to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale by Bedouin Mothers in Southern Israel
The detection and treatment of mental illness during pregnancy and postpartum are essential for the well-being of both mother and child. For this study, we set out to estimate the prevalence of perinatal depression among Bedouin mothers in southern Israel and determine if the latent structure of responses to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS)-including depression, anxiety, and anhedonia-previously reported also applies to this popul…
The coronavirus pandemic and Holocaust survivors in Israel
Holocaust survivors in Israel and abroad appear to be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their early life history, advanced age, and associated health conditions. And although some survivors may experience retraumatization because of the pandemic, others appear to be especially resilient. We encourage a strength-based approach when working with survivors to foster resilience and effective coping in this uncertain time. (PsycInfo Databas…
Age Differences in Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind: Concurrent Contributions of Neurocognitive Performance, Sex, and Pulse Pressure
To our knowledge, this study represents the most comprehensive investigation to date of predictors of ToM in aging. Findings highlight the need for continued investigation of ToM within a multidimensional framework
Reciprocal Effects of Life Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms Within Long-Wed Couples Over Time
Our findings suggest that older wives influence their husbands after decades of marriage; the relative effect of this crossover on older husbands is comparatively equivalent for life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. These findings stand in contrast to prior research with younger couples suggesting that long-wed couples may be a distinct subset of the population of all married couples (i.e., those who have not divorced)
Til Divorce Do Us Part: Marriage Dissolution in Later Life
Late-life divorce—commonly referred to as gray divorce—is a rising trend that parallels the growth of the older adult population. We sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of marriage dissolution, the divorce process, and life following divorce in a sample of older adults who divorced after more than 20 years of marriage. Qualitative data were collected from 10 divorcees (7 women and 3 men; M age = 63.5) and analyzed to unders…
A Cross-National Comparison of Reminiscence Functions Between Canadian and Israeli Older Adults
We discuss various historical and geo-political factors that may account for these differences. For instance, recurrent war, ongoing terror, and regional instability make living and aging in Israel distinct from Canada. This model of reminiscence functions would appear sufficiently sensitive to capture cross-national differences
Personality traits and marital satisfaction within enduring relationships: An intra-couple discrepancy approach
In this study of 125 heterosexual long-wed couples, we examined both spouses' personality traits and relative differences in partner perceptions of personality as predictors of marital satisfaction, simultaneously for both husbands and wives. As hypothesized, each of the Big Five personality traits emerged as significantly associated with marital satisfaction though significant between-trait and between-sex differences were observed. Most notably…
Fear of Death, Mortality Communication, and Psychological Distress Among Secular and Religiously Observant Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients
Previous research suggests that caregivers and terminally ill patients face substantial difficulties discussing illness and death. Existing research, however, has focused primarily on the experience of patients. The current study compared responses as well as the relative strength of association between mortality comunication, fear of death, and psychological distress (i.e., depressive symptomatology, emotional exhaustion) among secular and relig…
Marital idealization as an enduring buffer to distress among spouses of persons with Alzheimer disease
Few disease processes affect the dynamics of marital relationships like neurodegenerative disorders. Illnesses such as Alzheimer disease strip older adults of a lifetime of memories and, in the latter stages, even the ability to recognize one's spouse and children. In cross-sectional research, marital idealization (or the propensity to idealize one's spouse and relationship) has emerged as significantly associated with the absence of distress amo…
The Influence of Care Provider Access to Structural Empowerment on Individualized Care in Long-Term-Care Facilities
Of the empowerment structures, support, especially in the form of access to educational opportunities and recognition for a job well done, seems to be particularly significant to care providers. Findings from this study suggest that provision of individualized care in LTC may be enhanced when formal caregivers have appreciable access to empowerment structures
Empirical Validation of a Model of Reminiscence and Health in Later Life
This study addresses the adaptive value of functions of reminiscence with respect to physical and mental health in later life. A model examining the relationships between the functions of reminiscence and life satisfaction, psychiatric distress, and health is presented and tested. Self-positive (reminiscence for Identity, Death Preparation, and Problem Solving) and self-negative (reminiscence for Boredom Reduction, Bitterness Revival, and Intimac…
Marital Satisfaction and Self-Deception: Reconstruction of Relationship Histories Among Older Adults
The relationship among marital aggrandizement, satisfaction with life, and marital satisfaction is examined among an international sample of older adults ( N = 400). Three distinct groupings are identified on the basis of cluster analysis. A minority of participants emerged as dissatisfied with life and marriage. This grouping (the distraught ) holds realistic perceptions of their relationship history. The same is true for a larger grouping ident…
Cognitive Adaptation and Women's Adjustment to Conjugal Bereavement
Conjugal bereavement is experienced by the majority of older women in enduring relationships. Although most experience considerable distress in the immediate aftermath of this loss, the majority adjusts over the course of time. The current study of self-selected participants applies the theory of cognitive adaptation in an attempt to distinguish between women who have successfully adjusted to the death of their husbands versus those who exhibit p…
Reliability Generalization of Responses by Care Providers to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale is among the most commonly used measures of depressive symptomatology. Despite this, a paucity of research has been undertaken to examine the psychometric properties of responses to this scale. This meta-analytic study examined previously published studies of caregiving to identify factors that predict variance in reliability estimates (i.e., reliability generalization). The results su…
Depressive Symptoms and Physical Health of Caregivers of Persons with Cognitive Impairment: Analysis of Reciprocal Effects Over Time
These analyses provided partial support for reciprocal effects between physical illness and depression. Findings are discussed in terms of the applicability of a model of reciprocal effects to older adults
Personality Traits and Existential Concerns as Predictors of the Functions of Reminiscence in Older Adults
This study examines to what extent personality and existential constructs predict the frequency of reminiscence, in general, and its various functions, in particular. Eighty-nine older adults completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, the Life Attitude Profile-Revised, and the Reminiscence Functions Scale. Neuroticism predicted total reminiscence frequency, as well as reminiscence for self-understanding and ruminating about a negative past. Extrave…
Marital Satisfaction and Marital Aggrandizement Among Older Adults: Analysis of Gender Invariance
The Marital Aggrandizement Scale (MAS; N. O'Rourke, 2000) was developed as a couples measure of biased responding. Results of the current study suggest that responses to the MAS are gender invariant. Differences emerge, however, for psychological well-being and self-deception. These results may explain differences in marital satisfaction between older men and women
Vigorous Shaking of Political Prisoners as a Means of Interrogation: Physical, Affective, and Neuropsychological Sequelae
Torture is a crude and ancient method of extracting information and confessions from prisoners. Its use is still widespread throughout the world, but its techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. Today, information and confessions are commonly extracted from political prisoners with few signs of physical trauma. For instance, Israel's General Security Service has come to employ vigorous shaking as one such means of interrogation within t…
Personality traits and marital satisfaction within enduring relationships: An intra-couple discrepancy approach
In this study of 125 heterosexual long-wed couples, we examined both spouses' personality traits and relative differences in partner perceptions of personality as predictors of marital satisfaction, simultaneously for both husbands and wives. As hypothesized, each of the Big Five personality traits emerged as significantly associated with marital satisfaction though significant between-trait and between-sex differences were observed. Most notably…
Empirical Validation of a Model of Reminiscence and Health in Later Life
This study addresses the adaptive value of functions of reminiscence with respect to physical and mental health in later life. A model examining the relationships between the functions of reminiscence and life satisfaction, psychiatric distress, and health is presented and tested. Self-positive (reminiscence for Identity, Death Preparation, and Problem Solving) and self-negative (reminiscence for Boredom Reduction, Bitterness Revival, and Intimac…
The Influence of Care Provider Access to Structural Empowerment on Individualized Care in Long-Term-Care Facilities
Of the empowerment structures, support, especially in the form of access to educational opportunities and recognition for a job well done, seems to be particularly significant to care providers. Findings from this study suggest that provision of individualized care in LTC may be enhanced when formal caregivers have appreciable access to empowerment structures
Personality Traits and Existential Concerns as Predictors of the Functions of Reminiscence in Older Adults
This study examines to what extent personality and existential constructs predict the frequency of reminiscence, in general, and its various functions, in particular. Eighty-nine older adults completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, the Life Attitude Profile-Revised, and the Reminiscence Functions Scale. Neuroticism predicted total reminiscence frequency, as well as reminiscence for self-understanding and ruminating about a negative past. Extrave…
Marital idealization as an enduring buffer to distress among spouses of persons with Alzheimer disease
Few disease processes affect the dynamics of marital relationships like neurodegenerative disorders. Illnesses such as Alzheimer disease strip older adults of a lifetime of memories and, in the latter stages, even the ability to recognize one's spouse and children. In cross-sectional research, marital idealization (or the propensity to idealize one's spouse and relationship) has emerged as significantly associated with the absence of distress amo…
Age Differences in Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind: Concurrent Contributions of Neurocognitive Performance, Sex, and Pulse Pressure
To our knowledge, this study represents the most comprehensive investigation to date of predictors of ToM in aging. Findings highlight the need for continued investigation of ToM within a multidimensional framework
Fear of Death, Mortality Communication, and Psychological Distress Among Secular and Religiously Observant Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients
Previous research suggests that caregivers and terminally ill patients face substantial difficulties discussing illness and death. Existing research, however, has focused primarily on the experience of patients. The current study compared responses as well as the relative strength of association between mortality comunication, fear of death, and psychological distress (i.e., depressive symptomatology, emotional exhaustion) among secular and relig…
Marital Satisfaction and Marital Aggrandizement Among Older Adults: Analysis of Gender Invariance
The Marital Aggrandizement Scale (MAS; N. O'Rourke, 2000) was developed as a couples measure of biased responding. Results of the current study suggest that responses to the MAS are gender invariant. Differences emerge, however, for psychological well-being and self-deception. These results may explain differences in marital satisfaction between older men and women
Reciprocal Effects of Life Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms Within Long-Wed Couples Over Time
Our findings suggest that older wives influence their husbands after decades of marriage; the relative effect of this crossover on older husbands is comparatively equivalent for life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. These findings stand in contrast to prior research with younger couples suggesting that long-wed couples may be a distinct subset of the population of all married couples (i.e., those who have not divorced)
A Cross-National Comparison of Reminiscence Functions Between Canadian and Israeli Older Adults
We discuss various historical and geo-political factors that may account for these differences. For instance, recurrent war, ongoing terror, and regional instability make living and aging in Israel distinct from Canada. This model of reminiscence functions would appear sufficiently sensitive to capture cross-national differences
Depressive Symptoms and Physical Health of Caregivers of Persons with Cognitive Impairment: Analysis of Reciprocal Effects Over Time
These analyses provided partial support for reciprocal effects between physical illness and depression. Findings are discussed in terms of the applicability of a model of reciprocal effects to older adults
Vigorous Shaking of Political Prisoners as a Means of Interrogation: Physical, Affective, and Neuropsychological Sequelae
Torture is a crude and ancient method of extracting information and confessions from prisoners. Its use is still widespread throughout the world, but its techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. Today, information and confessions are commonly extracted from political prisoners with few signs of physical trauma. For instance, Israel's General Security Service has come to employ vigorous shaking as one such means of interrogation within t…
Marital Satisfaction and Marital Aggrandizement Among Older Adults: Analysis of Gender Invariance
The Marital Aggrandizement Scale (MAS; N. O'Rourke, 2000) was developed as a couples measure of biased responding. Results of the current study suggest that responses to the MAS are gender invariant. Differences emerge, however, for psychological well-being and self-deception. These results may explain differences in marital satisfaction between older men and women
Personality Traits and Existential Concerns as Predictors of the Functions of Reminiscence in Older Adults
This study examines to what extent personality and existential constructs predict the frequency of reminiscence, in general, and its various functions, in particular. Eighty-nine older adults completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, the Life Attitude Profile-Revised, and the Reminiscence Functions Scale. Neuroticism predicted total reminiscence frequency, as well as reminiscence for self-understanding and ruminating about a negative past. Extrave…
Depressive Symptoms and Physical Health of Caregivers of Persons with Cognitive Impairment: Analysis of Reciprocal Effects Over Time
These analyses provided partial support for reciprocal effects between physical illness and depression. Findings are discussed in terms of the applicability of a model of reciprocal effects to older adults
Cognitive Adaptation and Women's Adjustment to Conjugal Bereavement
Conjugal bereavement is experienced by the majority of older women in enduring relationships. Although most experience considerable distress in the immediate aftermath of this loss, the majority adjusts over the course of time. The current study of self-selected participants applies the theory of cognitive adaptation in an attempt to distinguish between women who have successfully adjusted to the death of their husbands versus those who exhibit p…
Reliability Generalization of Responses by Care Providers to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale is among the most commonly used measures of depressive symptomatology. Despite this, a paucity of research has been undertaken to examine the psychometric properties of responses to this scale. This meta-analytic study examined previously published studies of caregiving to identify factors that predict variance in reliability estimates (i.e., reliability generalization). The results su…
Marital Satisfaction and Self-Deception: Reconstruction of Relationship Histories Among Older Adults
The relationship among marital aggrandizement, satisfaction with life, and marital satisfaction is examined among an international sample of older adults ( N = 400). Three distinct groupings are identified on the basis of cluster analysis. A minority of participants emerged as dissatisfied with life and marriage. This grouping (the distraught ) holds realistic perceptions of their relationship history. The same is true for a larger grouping ident…
Empirical Validation of a Model of Reminiscence and Health in Later Life
This study addresses the adaptive value of functions of reminiscence with respect to physical and mental health in later life. A model examining the relationships between the functions of reminiscence and life satisfaction, psychiatric distress, and health is presented and tested. Self-positive (reminiscence for Identity, Death Preparation, and Problem Solving) and self-negative (reminiscence for Boredom Reduction, Bitterness Revival, and Intimac…
The Influence of Care Provider Access to Structural Empowerment on Individualized Care in Long-Term-Care Facilities
Of the empowerment structures, support, especially in the form of access to educational opportunities and recognition for a job well done, seems to be particularly significant to care providers. Findings from this study suggest that provision of individualized care in LTC may be enhanced when formal caregivers have appreciable access to empowerment structures
Fear of Death, Mortality Communication, and Psychological Distress Among Secular and Religiously Observant Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients
Previous research suggests that caregivers and terminally ill patients face substantial difficulties discussing illness and death. Existing research, however, has focused primarily on the experience of patients. The current study compared responses as well as the relative strength of association between mortality comunication, fear of death, and psychological distress (i.e., depressive symptomatology, emotional exhaustion) among secular and relig…
Marital idealization as an enduring buffer to distress among spouses of persons with Alzheimer disease
Few disease processes affect the dynamics of marital relationships like neurodegenerative disorders. Illnesses such as Alzheimer disease strip older adults of a lifetime of memories and, in the latter stages, even the ability to recognize one's spouse and children. In cross-sectional research, marital idealization (or the propensity to idealize one's spouse and relationship) has emerged as significantly associated with the absence of distress amo…
A Cross-National Comparison of Reminiscence Functions Between Canadian and Israeli Older Adults
We discuss various historical and geo-political factors that may account for these differences. For instance, recurrent war, ongoing terror, and regional instability make living and aging in Israel distinct from Canada. This model of reminiscence functions would appear sufficiently sensitive to capture cross-national differences
Personality traits and marital satisfaction within enduring relationships: An intra-couple discrepancy approach
In this study of 125 heterosexual long-wed couples, we examined both spouses' personality traits and relative differences in partner perceptions of personality as predictors of marital satisfaction, simultaneously for both husbands and wives. As hypothesized, each of the Big Five personality traits emerged as significantly associated with marital satisfaction though significant between-trait and between-sex differences were observed. Most notably…
Til Divorce Do Us Part: Marriage Dissolution in Later Life
Late-life divorce—commonly referred to as gray divorce—is a rising trend that parallels the growth of the older adult population. We sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of marriage dissolution, the divorce process, and life following divorce in a sample of older adults who divorced after more than 20 years of marriage. Qualitative data were collected from 10 divorcees (7 women and 3 men; M age = 63.5) and analyzed to unders…
Age Differences in Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind: Concurrent Contributions of Neurocognitive Performance, Sex, and Pulse Pressure
To our knowledge, this study represents the most comprehensive investigation to date of predictors of ToM in aging. Findings highlight the need for continued investigation of ToM within a multidimensional framework
Reciprocal Effects of Life Satisfaction and Depressive Symptoms Within Long-Wed Couples Over Time
Our findings suggest that older wives influence their husbands after decades of marriage; the relative effect of this crossover on older husbands is comparatively equivalent for life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. These findings stand in contrast to prior research with younger couples suggesting that long-wed couples may be a distinct subset of the population of all married couples (i.e., those who have not divorced)
The coronavirus pandemic and Holocaust survivors in Israel
Holocaust survivors in Israel and abroad appear to be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their early life history, advanced age, and associated health conditions. And although some survivors may experience retraumatization because of the pandemic, others appear to be especially resilient. We encourage a strength-based approach when working with survivors to foster resilience and effective coping in this uncertain time. (PsycInfo Databas…
Reciprocal Effects of Marital Idealization and Marital Satisfaction Between Long-Wed Spouses Over Time
Marital idealization is defined as an interpersonal mode of self-deception whereby husbands and wives convey an exceedingly positive portrayal of their spouse and relationship (e.g., “My spouse has never made me angry”). For the Marriage and Health Study, we obtained responses from 119 long-wed couples at baseline, 1- and 2-years later ( M = 34 years married). We first computed and compared contemporaneous actor-partner interdependence models (AP…
Covid-19 and Mental Health of Minority Arab Higher-Education Students in Israel: Social, Economic, and Academic Factors
The mental health and well-being of higher-education students is a topic of growing interest. COVID-19 impacted higher education in many ways and the challenges were especially pronounced for minority students. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Arab minority students in Israel in relation to social, academic, and financial factors. We recruited 420 Arab higher-education students enrolled in academic colleges or un…
Social Support and Symptoms of Depression in Late Life: Bidirectional Associations over Time
Social support functions as an effective buffer against depression, especially among older adults with limited social networks. For the current study, we examined longitudinal bidirectional associations between social support and depression among those 75+ years of age. We recruited and followed a sample of Israeli adults 75+ years of age (N = 824; M = 80.84; range 75-96 years). Structured interviews were conducted in the homes of participants at…
Temporal Stability of Responses to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale by Bedouin Mothers in Southern Israel
The detection and treatment of mental illness during pregnancy and postpartum are essential for the well-being of both mother and child. For this study, we set out to estimate the prevalence of perinatal depression among Bedouin mothers in southern Israel and determine if the latent structure of responses to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS)-including depression, anxiety, and anhedonia-previously reported also applies to this popul…
Predictors of Support for Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide (Epas) Among Older Adults in Israel
Background: Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (EPAS) are highly contentious topics with significant medical, legal, and cultural implications. Previous research suggests that various sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial factors determine attitudes toward EPAS. This study set out to identify psychosocial predictors of support for EPAS. We hypothesized that perceived control, self-efficacy, and social support would each predict suppor…
Psychology (21 works) · Clinical Psychology (11 works) · Developmental psychology (11 works) · Medicine (11 works) · Psychiatry (11 works) · Clinical Psychology (10 works) · Health disparities and outcomes (8 works) · Cognition (6 works) · Gerontology (6 works) · Social Psychology (6 works)