ACCOUNT-MAKING AND THE MEANING OF TRANSLOCATION FOR ELDERS.
Contributors: University of Iowa.
Published: 1992
Number of pages: 246
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.; Psychology, Social.
Description: Meaning and effects of involuntary, intra-institutional translocation were studied in elderly religious sisters housed in a retirement home. Antonovsky's sense of coherence (SOC) guided the investigation. The study aimed to: (1) identify meaning of translocation; (2) identify effects of translocation; (3) assess the relationship between (SOC) and anxiety, depression, and self-perceived health in translocation; (4) assess effectiveness of account-making in promoting adjustment to translocation; and (5) assess whether SOC mediates effectiveness of account-making.

Subjects' mood, health, social support and SOC were measured using: (1) Geriatric Depression Scale. (2) Profile of Mood States. (3) Self-perceived health questionnaire. (4) Social Provisions Scale. (5) Orientation to Life Questionnaire.

Phase 1 investigated the meaning of translocation and the effect of account-making (one hour session to construct meaning and compare with prior translocations) in the experimental group (n = 12). Subjects randomized to the control group (n = 15) experienced a friendly visit. Both treatments occurred approximately 3 weeks after translocation. Subjects were measured at 6 months, 3 weeks before, and 2 and 4 weeks after translocation and account-making.

Phase 2 investigated the effect of announcement of translocation with a second group of sisters (n = 35) in the same facility. The same instruments were used and at the same times as in Phase 1. Post-testing occurred 2 days and 1 month following announcement.

Phase 3 examined effect of translocation or impending translocation on both groups (n = 62).

To the subjects, translocation meant a step forward in faith for their religious Order--a future orientation. It created opportunities (improved living conditions, enriched life experiences) and consequences (isolation, dependence, and concern over elaborateness of new facilities).

Translocation significantly affected depression, self-perceived health, social support, and SOC across all subjects. SOC negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, number of chronic health conditions and number of medications taken. SOC correlated positively but not significantly with health. Account-making didn't significantly influence mood or health, and wasn't mediated by SOC.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-08, Section: B, page: 4030.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, 1992.

School code: 0096.