Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depression in Older People in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Background: Social environment and type of care may influence mental health in late life. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in older people. Methods: The study evaluated mental health in people older than 65 years of age in Zadar County, Croatia. The participants were interviewed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the correlations between depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Results: Compared with elderly people living in their own homes, elderly people in nursing homes reported lower self-esteem, higher depression, and higher anxiety. The level of self-esteem decreased with increased levels of depression. Anxiety was significantly associated with depression, while depression strongly increased with an increase in anxiety. Older age was associated with depression, while widowhood was a negative predictor of self-esteem. Institutionalization was borderline significantly associated with anxiety, while gender was associated with anxiety. Conclusions: The study found associations between self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in the elderly. The strategy of humanization in nursing care for older people should be applied equally in nursing homes and in community-dwelling states. Public health programs aimed at maintaining the mental health of older people are needed.

Identifying and Monitoring the Daily Routine of Seniors Living at Home

“…The remote monitoring and assessment solutions integrated into the living and working environment of seniors have the potential to reduce the care burden, helping them to self-manage problems associated with old age. Moreover, older adults’ chronic condition is an important factor that should be considered, being complicated by additional risk factors such as deficits in activities of daily living, social situations exposing them to isolation and lack of support, cognitive decline and emotional anxiety [ 3 ]. Poorly managed care often inadequately considers the seniors’ health decline due to the lack of remote objective monitoring and does not address promptly potential problems.…”

Influence of Attachment Anxiety on the Relationship between Loneliness and Depression among Long-Term Care Residents

“…A dismissive style was unrelated to neediness; hence, it did not predict depression [ 62 ]. Moreover, attachment anxiety may have been linked with depression through low self-esteem [ 63 ], and also through interpersonal sensitivity [ 64 ].…”

The Association of Self-Esteem with the Level of Independent Functioning and the Primary Demographic Factors in Persons over 60 Years of Age

“…On the other hand, individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives or have negative past experiences are less confident, and they view themselves less favourably [ 10 ]. Additionally, self-esteem is a significant element in the adaptation processes, and it does not depend on age but on one’s level of social integration and ability to manage challenging life situations [ 7 , 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Positive self-esteem also provides the basis for the development and maintenance of mental health [ 9 , 13 ]. Moreover, it is a vital element in health promotion, as it is conducive to well-being and a sense of happiness [ 8 , 10 , 12 ]. It also influences better functioning in emotionally difficult situations, such as illness or isolation during a pandemic.…”

“…A low self-esteem, on the other hand, results in withdrawal from new activities. Additionally, it can be a risk factor for the development of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders as well as for the formation of inappropriate defence mechanisms, such as acts of violence, addiction to alcohol, or psychoactive drugs [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”