Journal of Aging Science

AGEING AND DEPRESSION: SENSE OF PURPOSE, SELF-EFFICACY, VALUES AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PROTECTIVE FACTORS

International Conference on Aging & Gerontology

August 8-9, 2016 Las Vegas, USA

Julijana Chochovski, G Kennedy and A Anderson

The Cairnmillar Institute, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Aging Sci

Abstract:

One of the greatest social and economic challenges of the twenty-first century is the projected cost of looking after the increased numbers of elderly people. By 2056 Australiaâ??s population is projected to increase to between 31 - 43 million people, with around 23% to 25% being 65 years or older (Attorney-Generalâ??s Department, 2010). Old age can present many challenges; the most obvious and documented is the decline in physical health. The aim of this study was investigate the role of; a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, sense of value and self-worth in predicting symptoms of depression in older adults. It was hypothesised that after 55 years of age, an increase in meaning in life would be dependent on having a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, sense of value, self-esteem and how these factors affect self-reported symptoms of depression. The participants were 114 Australian men and women over 55 years of age who were recruited from an older adultâ??s education group, S.A.G.E (Successful Ageing for Growth and Enjoyment). The participantâ??s mental health and depressive symptomatology were assessed using the following questionnaires; Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MILQ), Causal Uncertainty Scale (CUS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Purpose in Life Scale (PIL), Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), and the Short Schwartzâ??s Value Survey (SSVS). The results showed that high levels of self-reported depressive symptomology were associated significantly with a lack of meaning in participant's lives. The results also illustrated the significant negative association between depressive symptomatology and levels of a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, worth and a sense of value. The study provides strong evidence for building meaning, a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, a sense of oneâ??s values and selfesteem in older adults as a prevention or treatment for depression.

Biography :

Julijana Chochovski is a Clinical Psychologist Registrar and is the head of research programs and Development for the Cairnmillar Institute. Educated at Monash University and the Cairnmillar Institute, she has many years of experience in working with psychological disorders in adults. Julijana’s broad research experience ranges from understanding the neurological impact of depression and moods, coupled with her current clinical research projects focusing on the therapeutic treatment and needs of older adults.

Email: julie.chochovski@cairnmillar.org.au