SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS AND DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF NURSING HOMES.
Contributors: Temple University.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 203
Subjects: Education, Guidance and Counseling.; Psychology, Clinical.; Gerontology.; Psychology, Social.; Health Sciences, Mental Health.
Description: Fifty elderly nursing home residents were interviewed utilizing social support questionnaires and a self-rating depression scale. A depression scale was also completed with a member of the resident's social support system. A majority of participants reported significant levels of depression. There was no correlation between self-rating and member-rating of depression reflecting a possible deficit in the support system. Social integration, sense of self-worth and the opportunity to reciprocate support were related to lower levels of depression. No relationship was found between network size or frequency of contact and depression. Religious participation and history of marriage were both related to higher levels of social support. The support network attempts to maintain stability by extending to more distant kinship.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-05, Section: A, page: 1407.

Thesis (PH.D.)--TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, 1992.

School code: 0225.