Prediction of Psychological Well-Being in the Elderly by Assessing their Spirituality, Gratitude to God, and Perceived Social Support

Abstract

Objectives: Today, psychological care for the elderly has received increasing attention due to potential threats posed by aging, loneliness, gradual decline in physical activity, increase of chronic diseases, social isolation, and physical and mental disabilities. The positive psychology approach to mental health seeks to promote the mental health of people by identifying and developing mental abilities and competences. The present study aimed to predict psychological well-being of the elderly based on the components of positive psychology including spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive correlational study conducted on 211 elderly people aged 60-70 years (109 males and 102 females) who were selected randomly. Data collection tools were a demographic form (surveying age, gender, education, marital status, and socioeconomic status), and Paloutzian and Ellisons’ Spirituality Well-Being Scale, short form of Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale, Emmons and Crumpler’s Gratitude to God Questionnaire, and Zimet’s Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software V. 22 by using descriptive (Mean and Standard Deviation), Pearson correlation test, and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Mean and Standard Deviation of different study variables were reported as follows: Psychological well-being =7.1±10.68; Spirituality =90.22±15.36; Gratitude to God =14.09±2.41; Social support from family members =21.6±4.2; Social support from friends =16.5±5.8; and Social support from significant others =20.23±5. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that spirituality (F1,209=62.02, P=0.001), social support from family members (F1,208=11.06, P=0.001), and gratitude to God (F1,207=4.80, P=0.001) could significantly explain 27% of the psychological well-being variance in the elderly. Conclusion: Increased spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support especially from family members can improve psychological well-being of the elderly. Hence, Strengthening and paying special attention to their spiritual needs and perceived social support as well as planning health care for them can help increase their psychological well-being.

Role of Emotion Regulation and Spirituality in Predicting the Psychological Well-being of the Elderlies

“…In their study, Sadoughi and Hesampour found that increased spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support, especially from the family, boosted psychological wellbeing among the elderlies (20). Koushaie et al showed that spirituality had a close and significant relationship with life satisfaction and psychological well-being of the senior citizens, leading to their better understanding of life events and positive evaluation of them (21).…”

“…Spirituality is beyond religion and includes other concepts, such as spiritual well-being; peace originated from faith; spiritual conformity; one's experiences in a unique and dynamic process (reflecting faith in God with infinite power); connection to another person, nature, or God; and integrity of all human dimensions (18). Spirituality and religion have dramatic effects on the lives of people, especially adults (19,20). Spiritual practices provide meaning and emotional support for senior citizens (21).…”

Phenomenological Study of Elderly Quality of Life in Pandemic Covid-19

“…Furthermore, gratitude also affects psychological well-being. According to Sadoughi and Hesampour (2020), there is a positive relationship between gratitude to God and psychological well-being. This means that the greater the gratitude, the higher the psychological well-being.…”