Residents’ perceptions of their own sadness - a qualitative study in Norwegian nursing homes

Abstract

BackgroundMood symptoms are highly prevalent among frail old people residing in nursing homes. Systematic diagnostics of depression is scarce, and treatment is not always in accordance with best evidence. The distinction between non-pathological sadness and depression may be challenging, and we know little of the older peoples’ perspectives. The aim of this qualitative interview study was to explore residents’ perceptions of their own sadness.MethodsWe performed individual, semi-structured interviews with twelve older people residing in nursing homes with no dementia. The interview guide comprised questions on what made the informants sad and what prevented sadness. We recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed the interviews using systematic text condensation.ResultsThe interviews revealed three main themes. I. Decay and loss of agency. The informants perceived their sadness to be caused by loss of health and functional ability, reliance on long-term care, dysfunctional technical aids and poor care. II. Loneliness in the middle of the crowd. Loss of family and friends, and lack of conversations with staff members and fellow patients were also sources of sadness. III. Relating and identity. The informants kept sadness at bay through: acceptance and re-orientation to their current life situation, maintaining narratives about their identity and belonging, and religiosity.ConclusionsNursing home nurses and doctors should identify and respond to sadness that is a rational response to manageable causes. Further, identifying and supporting residents’ resources and coping strategies is a salutogenetic approach that may alleviate sadness.

Symptoms of depression, sadness and sense of coherence (coping) among cognitively intact older people with cancer living in nursing homes—a mixed-methods study

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The moderating effect of social support on the relationship between physical health and suicidal thoughts among Chinese rural elderly: A nursing home sample

“…Studies indicate that nursing home elderly tend to feel lonely and lack social support due to a decreased social network and isolation from friends and family (Iden et al . ; Mojtabai ). Moreover, a lack of social support has been widely accepted as a significant reason for committing suicide by scholars.…”

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