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[Dependency, abuse, and depression by gender in widowed elderly].
Ok-Soo Kim1, Kyoung-Mi Yang, Kye-Ha Kim
1College of Nursing Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea. OHONG@ewha.ac.kr
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi
|April 30, 2005
Summary
Dependency and abuse significantly impact depression in widowed elderly. For men, emotional abuse mediates the link, while for women, dependency directly affects depression and indirectly influences emotional abuse.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Social Work
Background:
- Widowed elderly individuals face unique challenges, including increased risk of depression.
- Understanding the interplay of dependency and abuse is crucial for mental health interventions in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how dependency and different forms of abuse (emotional, physical) influence depression among widowed elderly.
- To explore gender-specific pathways linking dependency, abuse, and depression in this population.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 246 widowed elderly (over 65) was surveyed using validated scales for dependency, elder abuse (emotional and physical), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale).
- Data analysis was performed using SPSS to identify relationships and mediating effects.
Main Results:
- In widowed men, dependency indirectly influenced depression through emotional abuse.
- In widowed women, dependency had a direct effect on depression and an indirect effect on emotional abuse.
Conclusions:
- Dependency is a key predictor of depression in widowed women.
- Assessing dependency should be a priority in nursing interventions aimed at alleviating depression in widowed elderly individuals.