Social support, self-esteem, and depression in the institutionalized elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Psychosocial research on the elderly predominantly focuses on community-dwelling individuals.
• A significant portion of the elderly population resides in institutional settings, yet their psychological experiences are understudied.
• Understanding the unique challenges faced by institutionalized elderly is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationships between depression, social support, self-esteem, and demographic variables in institutionalized elderly.
• To explore the psychological implications of institutionalization on older adults.
• To identify factors influencing mental well-being in nursing home residents.

Main Methods:

• A correlational study design was employed.
• Participants included 26 institutionalized elderly individuals.
• Standardized instruments such as the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale were utilized.

Main Results:

• Demographic characteristics did not significantly influence self-esteem or depression levels.
• A significant negative correlation was found between social support and depression.
• The type of institutional setting and frequency of religious participation showed potential interactions with depression levels.

Conclusions:

• Social support is a critical factor in mitigating depression among institutionalized elderly.
• Future research should further explore the interplay between environmental factors, religious practices, and mental health in this population.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing social support may improve the psychological well-being of institutionalized older adults.