Open AccessINFLUENCE OF SENSE OF COHERENCE ON DEPRESSION AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN OLD AGE
Author(s) -
Srinidhi C.V,
Inthumathi S.R,
Alice Shanthi,
Smitha Ruckmani
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
paripex indian journal of research
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.36106/paripex/5210691
Subject(s) - psychology , depression (economics) , developmental psychology , stress (linguistics) , population , clinical psychology , medicine , linguistics , philosophy , environmental health , economics , macroeconomics
Background:Old age is commonly viewed as a period of decreased physical activity,agitation and,increased calmness;depression or stress is not commonly acknowledged in the population. According to Erik Erikson, older adultsexperience Ego Integrity vs Despair, where people review their life cycle and accept it as something that had to be,resulting in wholeness or a sense of coherence. A lack of it would result in despair, where one's life is seen as beingunproductive and guilt about the past, having not accomplished life goal leads to dissatisfaction and depression.Therefore,people with a poor sense of coherence could have higher levels of perceived stress and depression in themwhen compared to those who have a strong sense of coherence. Purpose: The study thus focuses on exploring therelationship between depression, perceived stress, and sense of coherence among the elderly population. Methods:Data was collected through the Sense of Coherence Scale,Perceived stress scale,and geriatric depression scale-15 froma sample of 40 from old age (people over 60 years). Out of which 20 were living in old age homes and 20 with theirfamilies.Statistical analyses were conducted using Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation and T-test.Results: There was amild to moderate negative correlation between perceived stress and sense of coherence and a mild to moderatenegative correlation between depression and sense of coherence. There was a significant difference in the levels ofperceived stress and depression between people living in their homes and old age homes.