Year: 1990
Type: article
Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between spirituality and depression in family caregivers of the elderly. Data for this secondary study came from a caregiver research project conducted by Given and Given (1989). Although the primary study was longitudinal, this study used a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. A convenience sample of 191 family caregivers participated. Data on spirituality and depression were obtained by self-administered questionnaires. Spirituality was measured with the Spiritual/Philosophical subscale from the Coping Resources Inventory (Hammer & Marting, 1988). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977) was slightly modified and used to measure depression. The study findings included: (a) a moderately weak negative correlation between the variables of spirituality and depression (r = {dollar}-{dollar}.2934, df = 189, p {dollar}<{dollar}.001) and (b) the majority of caregivers (62.3%) indicated that spirituality was a consistent resource in their lives. Limitations to the study included the use of a convenience sample and the use of a relatively new subscale to measure spirituality.
Author: Cynthia L. Boland
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W241424335