The Effect of Self-Transcendence on Depression in Cognitively Intact Nursing Home Patients

Abstract

Aims. This study's aim was to test the effects of self-transcendence on depression among cognitively intact nursing home patients. Background. Depression is considered the most frequent mental disorder among the elderly population. Specifically, the depression rate among nursing home patients is three to four times higher than that among community-dwelling elderly. Therefore, finding new and alternative ways to prevent and decrease depression is of great importance for nursing home patients' well-being. Self-transcendence is related to spiritual as well as nonspiritual factors, and it is described as a correlate and resource for well-being among vulnerable populations and at the end of life. Methods. A two-factor construct of the self-transcendence scale (interpersonal and intrapersonal) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was applied. A sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing home patients in central Norway was selected to respond to the questionnaires in 2008/2009. Results. A hypothesized SEM model demonstrated significant direct relationships and total effects of self-transcendence on depression. Conclusion and Implication for Practice. Facilitating patients' self-transcendence, both interpersonally and intrapersonally, might decrease depression among cognitively intact nursing home patients.

Self-transcendence (ST) among very old people – Its associations to social and medical factors and development over five years

“…Depression is common among older adults, and an inverse relationship between ST and depression has been demonstrated (e.g. Haugan & Innstrand, 2012;Kim, Hayward, & Reed, 2014;Klaas, 1998).…”

Factors associated with depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese adults in a long-term care community

“…Self-transcendence has been usually shown to have a significantly negative relationship to depression among American elders living in communities and long-term care settings (Klaas, 1998;Reed, 2009) as well as in hospitalized Japanese elders (Hoshi, 2008). Recently, in one study conducted in Norway, cognitively intact nursing home elders demonstrated that interpersonal selftranscendence (such as involvement with others, connectedness, and sharing their wisdom) and intrapersonal self-transcendence (such as selfacceptance of growing older, adjusting well to the present situation, and finding meaning in past experiences) were significantly negatively correlated with depression (Haugan and Innstrand, 2012). Recently, in one study conducted in Norway, cognitively intact nursing home elders demonstrated that interpersonal selftranscendence (such as involvement with others, connectedness, and sharing their wisdom) and intrapersonal self-transcendence (such as selfacceptance of growing older, adjusting well to the present situation, and finding meaning in past experiences) were significantly negatively correlated with depression (Haugan and Innstrand, 2012).…”

Nivel de autotrascendencia en un grupo de adultos mayores mexicanos

“…Esta adaptación ayuda a disminuir los niveles de ansiedad y depresión en el adulto mayor 7,11 . La disciplina de enfermería puede actuar en sinergia (como un factor moderador y mediador) durante el proceso de autotrascendencia en el adulto mayor.…”

“…Esto se relaciona con otros estudios en donde la autotrascendencia intrapersonal se encuentra mayormente elevada que la interpersonal y estrechamente relacionada con el aspecto espiritual mejorando en gran medida el bienestar espiritual expresado 7,11,13,25 , dicha relación con la espiritualidad se ve manifestada en el significado de las creencias y además como señalan otros estudios esto se expresa a través de la participación en los rituales y la necesidad de tener momentos de serenidad, paz y contemplación 12 . Aquellos adultos mayores que participan más asiduamente de sus creencias en sus prácticas tienen mejor nivel de autotrascendencia 23 , lo que sigue ligando a este proceso la parte espiritual del ser humano.…”

“…De igual manera la autotrascendencia interpersonal, la cual comprende el involucrarse con otras personas, compartir la sabiduría y ayudar a otros, e interesarse en seguir aprendiendo, se relaciona directamente con el bienestar social y emocional de los adultos mayores. Mientras que la autotrascendencia intrapersonal, que comprende aspectos tales como la autoaceptación, ajustarse a la situación de vida y discapacidades, y permitiendo la ayuda de otros, afecta directamente al bienestar funcional 11 .…”