Date of Award

1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Patrick Openlander

Second Advisor

James D. Evans

Third Advisor

Raphael Becvar

Abstract

Adults between the ages of 65 and 90 were the subjects of a study to explore the relationship between depression and the variables of personal loss , support system, and perceived physical health . Thirty- four subjects completed a self- administered depression scale (the Geriatric Depression Scale) and a personal information sheet . The relationships between depression and perceived personal health was significant , as was the relationship between depression and the support system. The relationship between depression and loss was not significant . As one's perceived health became better , depression decreased . Likewise, as one's support system increased, depression decreased. Whether or not someone had experienced a recent loss had no relationship with depressive symptomatology. Other significant findings indicated that there was also a relationship between depression and satisfaction of living arrangements . The greater the satisfaction , the less pronounced the depression.

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