Spirituality Among Older Adults With Depression: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study

Spirituality is a crucial yet complex element of holistic nursing care, particularly when providing care for older adults with depression. In Thailand, depression poses a significant mental health challenge. Thai cultural values are deeply interwoven with individuals' beliefs, making spirituality a critical factor in addressing the care of older adults with depression. This study aimed to explore how older adults with depression experience spirituality and construct meaning from it in their daily lives.

An interpretative phenomenological study.

In-depth interviews of 30 older Thai adults living with depression (aged 60-85 years) from an outpatient psychiatric clinic in southern Thailand were conducted using semi-structured interview questionnaires. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed. Data were collected from June to August 2024.

Five themes emerged from the phenomenological data analysis: (1) elusiveness of spiritual meaning, (2) holding oneself together through inner power, (3) finding acceptance through faith in a higher power, (4) family ties shaping peace and despair, and (5) being guided and cared for.

This study highlights that older adults with depression perceive spirituality as essential for their well-being. Personal practices, such as meditation and chanting, played a key role in strengthening spirituality and reducing the risk of relapse in depressive symptoms, which are distinct for each older adult. Understanding spirituality's role in mental health guides nurses to develop strategies for providing more empathetic spiritual care.

Nurses must address depression in older adults through individualized practices to effectively empower their inner strength and coping mechanisms. Understanding each individual's spiritual practices is essential to help them harness their inner strength when coping with depression.