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
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/181634 |
| Date | January 1990 |
| Creators | Vaughn, Gary L. |
| Contributors | Dimick, Kenneth M. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 116 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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