Journal of Psychiatry

Abstract

A Descriptive Study on Perceived Levels of Stress, Coping and Their Correlation in Retirees of Kashmir Valley

Shabir Ahmad Dar*, Ifshana Iliyas, Tabasum Dilawar and Temheeda Rahman

Background: Retirement is a major and fundamental life change that affects numerous areas. The transition from a life of work to one of retirement has both practical and emotional implications. Apart from physical health issues, they are more likely to suffer from mental and psychological distress.
Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 retirees of district Srinagar from June 2015 to June 2016, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Levels of Stress and coping among retirees were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and Brief COPE scale.
Results: Nearly 40(40%) of cases had moderate level (10-12), 03(03%) had severe level (13-16), 04(04%) had extremely severe level (17+), and around 35(35%) had no stress (0-7). Majority of retired employees 85(85%)either used average level (57-84), or used good level (85-112) of coping with a minority 10(10%) using low level (28-56) of coping. There was a significant positive correlation between the stress and coping scores among retired employees.
Conclusion: The perceived level of stress was moderate among retired employees and the retirees used average level of coping to deal with the retirement stress. There is a need for organized family and social support to improve the physical and psychological health of retirees.