Predictors Of Depression In Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

Research dealing with mental health issues in the aged has recently become an area of
increased interest. As population trends continue to show that the elderly are increasing in
life expectancy, the need for additional and more comprehensive knowledge of the
elderly is needed. The present study aimed to further previous research dealing with
predictors of depression in the elderly. More specifically, this study sought to target
nursing home residents, which is a group that is often overlooked in the literature. The
present study aimed to look at the possible relationship between satisfaction with life
events and the amount of control an individual felt they had over those life events. A
further goal was to assess what impact these variables may have on depression levels. A
sample of 18 nursing home residents aged 65 and over was given a series of measures
including the Geriatric Depression Scale, a Perceived Satisfaction and Control
Questionnaire, and a Loss Instrument. It was hypothesized that past control and
satisfaction levels would be higher than current levels of control and satisfaction given
the participants' residential status; this hypothesis was supported. In addition, it was
found that satisfaction with marriage had a moderate negative correlation with
depression; as satisfaction with marriage decreased, depression levels increased. Further,
as individuals' perceived control over past life events were attributed more to fate or
chance, depression increased. The impact that these findings may have on the long-term
care industry will be discussed as well as directions for future research.

Date of Award	2010
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Caridad F. Brito (Supervisor)