Final answer:
The statement is true; negative environmental stimuli, such as abuse or neglect, can lead to depressive symptoms in older adults. The development of depression is influenced by behavioral aspects, individual predispositions, and the presence of negative psychological states. Supportive environments and interventions are critical for reducing aversive interactions and improving older adults' mental health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is True: increased aversive interactions, such as those stemming from neglect, ageism, or abuse, can indeed contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in older adults. This aligns with behavioral perspectives suggesting that negative environmental stimuli can increase stress and, as a result, can lead to changes in mood and behavior. For older adults, who may already be facing life changes such as retirement, less social contact, and possible health issues, such interactions can exacerbate feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, or anxiety — factors that are known to contribute to depression.
Alongside this behavioral view, it is important to consider the psychological and emotional context. Research has indicated that certain personality characteristics, including a tendency towards neuroticism or a propensity to make negative attributions for life events, can predispose individuals to depressive symptoms when combined with negative life experiences. Moreover, conditions like a history of depression or exposure to early life stressors can further increase the likelihood of depression in later life, highlighting the complex interplay of individual disposition and environmental factors.
Finally, depression is not only detrimental to mental health but is associated with physical health risks as well. It can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, which may contribute to a higher risk of conditions like heart disease. The impact of depressive symptoms on overall well-being, especially in older adults, underscores the need for supportive and nurturing environments, along with interventions targeted at reducing aversive interactions in their lives.