Religious and spiritual struggle: prevalence and correlates among older adults with depression in the BRIGHTEN Program

Older adults (OA) are more religious and/or spiritual (R/S) than younger adults, but some experience R/S struggle which is associated with poorer quality of life. Little is known about R/S struggle in community dwelling OA. This study examines prevalence, correlates, the association with depression...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mental health, religion & culture religion & culture, 2016-08, Vol.19 (7), p.713-721
Main Authors: Murphy, P. E., Fitchett, George, Emery-Tiburcio, Erin E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
depression
Mental depression
older adults
Older people
Religion
screening
Spirituality
struggle
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Summary:Older adults (OA) are more religious and/or spiritual (R/S) than younger adults, but some experience R/S struggle which is associated with poorer quality of life. Little is known about R/S struggle in community dwelling OA. This study examines prevalence, correlates, the association with depression for R/S struggle, and a desire for spiritual care in community dwelling OA with depression. In a programme for integrating care for these OA, 188 participants provided demographic information along with the Geriatric Depression Scale and a tool screening for potential R/S struggle. Prevalence of potential R/S struggle was 50%. The younger OA and Caucasian individuals vs. Hispanic individuals were more likely to experience potential R/S struggle. A relationship of potential R/S struggle with depression persisted with the inclusion of controls. Of those with potential struggle, 52% wanted to see a chaplain. Screening for potential R/S struggle can play an important role in choosing specific interventions for OA with depression.
ISSN:1367-4676
1469-9737
DOI:10.1080/13674676.2016.1244178