Engagement and depressive symptoms in a community sample of elderly people

Fifty-three elderly women attending a day centre were interviewed and observed to examine hypotheses about depressive symptoms and behaviour. Observers were blind to interview findings. The Geriatric Mental Status Schedule (GMS) and Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist (MAACL) provided information on current symptoms and mood. Time-sampling was used to assess clients' level and type of engagement. No significant relation was found between 'disengagement' (absence of engaged activity) and symptom level. Those clients reaching the Feighner criteria for depression did not differ from other clients either in level of 'disengagement' or in type of engaged activity. Within the whole sample 'disengagement' was related to age and to self-reports of good health. 'Onlooking' was correlated with 'recent loss of interest' and self-blame'. Results are discussed in relation to behavioural formulations of depression and studies of engagement.