The Influences of Loss Experiences and Depression on Ego-integrity and Transcendence of Elderly Korean Men and Women

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the influences of loss experiences and depression on ego-integraty and transcendence of elderly Koreans and to identify gender differences in the relationships among loss experiences, depression, ego-integrity, and transcendence from 146 men and 194 women aged over 60 years in Busan, Gyeong-Nam, and Gyeong-Buk area. The main results were as follows: elderly men reported more loss experiences and transcendence than elderly women. Next, loss experiences influenced ego-integrity and depression mediated the relationship between loss experiences and ego-integrity. Also, ego-integrity had a direct effect on transcendence. Last, depression of elderly men fully mediated the relationship between loss experiences and transcendence. The relationship between loss experiences and ego-integration was partially mediated by depression for elderly women. These results were discussed in terms of gero-education and elderly welfare.

Stress and suicidal ideation in Korean baby boomers: the mediating effect of mindfulness and meaning in life

“…The experience of stress caused by these issues has been reported to be closely associated with mental health problems such as depression ( Bailly et al, 2012 ). In particular, the elderly experience losses such as the death of friends or spouses, and these experiences of loss have been proposed as stressors that trigger depression in the elderly ( Bae, 2009 ; An and Park, 2016 ).…”