Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title from title page (viewed Apr. 23, 2007) Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-114).

published_or_final_version / Gerontology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

The recognition and diagnosis of elderly depression has been the focus of much research over the last 20 years (Brink, 1982; Goodstein, 1985; Klerman, 1983). One problem in diagnosing depression in the elderly has been adequate assessment devices that are sensitive, specific, and predictable with this population (Yesavage et al., 1983). One assessment device developed specifically for the elderly is the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (Brink et al., 1982;Yesavage et al., 1983). This depression scale has yielded high reliability and validity with other self-rating depression scales. In recent research a Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale was produced containing 15 items, all from the original Long Form GDS. A problem with the Short Form involves the lack of research concerning its construct validity. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate that the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale does measure depression in the elderly, and therefore, does possess construct validity. To accomplish this task, it was believed that if significant correlations could be identified between various psychosocial variables highly associated with depression in the elderly and the Short Form GDS, validity could be established. The five psychosocial variables chosen: gender differences, physical/health problems, insufficient social support, marital status, and socioeconomic status (finances), have all been shown to be highly related-to depression in the elderly.The information used for this project was gathered from a survey questionnaire developed by the Institute of Gerontology at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The survey questionnaire was sent to over 5,000 randomly selected elderly in the state of Indiana ranging in age from 60 to 85. Of the approximately 5,000 surveys, 2,979 were completed and returned. The survey incorporated questions concerning the five psychosocial variables reviewed and a modification of the Short Form GDS.In order to test the various hypotheses of the study, several analyses were conducted. Based upon the outcome of these analyses, it was concluded that the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale does possess construct validity. It was also concluded that the Short Form Geriatric Depression scale does assess depression in the elderly and thus is a valid instrument to use in the assessment of depression with the elderly adult.Based upon the information obtained from the survey following hypotheses were supported:a. Elderly individuals with physical disabilities and/or health related problems had higher total GDS scores on the Short Form. b. A positive relationship was found between physiological problems in the elderly and total GDS score.c. Elderly individuals having no social support system had higher total GDS scores on the Short Form.d. A negative relationship existed between an elderly individual's social support system and total GDS score.e. Elderly widows and widowers produced higher total GDS scores than married elderly.f. Elderly individuals with low economic status had higher total GDS scores than elderly individuals with high economic status. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (MPsy(Clinical))--University of South Australia, 2001

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M.Nursing)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2005. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Vonna Branam. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-99).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 130-141).

In later life, adverse life events, disability, health problems, inadequate social support, and personality traits hypothesized to be important risk factors for depression. Sample included 35 older (65-84) physical rehabilitation patients in a large metropolitan hospital. Statistical analysis included Pearson Product Moment correlations and multiple regression results. Perceived physical health, instrumental ADLs, life satisfaction, extraversion, and conscientiousness are inversely related to depressive symptom severity; neuroticism is positively related to depressive symptom severity. Regression models predicted depressive symptom severity, PANAS negative effect and PANAS positive affect. Neuroticism, insrumental ADLs, and age are significant predictors of depressive symptom severity; neuroticism and age are signficant predictors of PANAS negative affect, while extraversion is a significant predictor of PANAS positive affect. Personality factors, level of functioning, and age are important factors relating to mood. Limitations of this study include: small sample size with special characteristics (high level of SES); incomplete personal and family history of psychiatric problems; and lack of clinical comparison sample.

Researchers have reported a high prevalence of depression among older Hispanics in the United States when compared to other ethnic groups. Cultural variations in the perception of depression sometimes make it difficult to recognize the disorder resulting in older Hispanic patients not being diagnosed and not receiving appropriate treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore older Hispanics’ explanatory model of depression and identify culture-specific factors that may help in the recognition and treatment of depression. A mixed-method design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Fifty participants were interviewed using Kleinman’s Explanatory Models ethnographic approach with a vignette variation, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Cross Cultural Measure of Acculturation (CCMA). The findings suggest that this group of older Hispanics did not recognize depression as an illness but rather as the result of life stressors and personal weaknesses. People who experience depressive symptoms were described as being crazy, bored, worried, or having a problem of the nerves. These culturally coded terms may confound diagnosis among many Hispanics who find depression an unacceptable and shameful condition. This cultural pattern seemed to prevail among low and high-acculturated individuals which may complicate the diagnosis of depression by health care providers. This study highlights the complexity and diversity of this group of older Hispanics’ conceptual model of depression. The results of this study will contribute to nursing care by providing additional information that will help professionals when working with Hispanic patients with depression. Findings expand our understanding of older Hispanics (high and low-acculturated, depressed and non-depressed) groups’ conceptualization of depression and can be used to inform the adaptation of culturally relevant approaches to better serve the Hispanic community in this country. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013.