Effects of Intergenerational Social Support Exchange and Self-efficacy on Level of Depression among Elderly Women

Ko, Chung Mee

doi:2014.20.4.277

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 20(4); 2014 > Article

Original Article

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2014;20(4):277-286.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2014.20.4.277 Published online December 31, 2014.

Effects of Intergenerational Social Support Exchange and Self-efficacy on Level of Depression among Elderly Women

Chung Mee Ko

College of Nursing, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea. cmklee@sungshin.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was to examine the effects of intergenerational social support exchange (providing social support, receiving social support) and self-efficacy on the level of depression among elderly women.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey design was used. The participants were 247 elderly women, over 60, living in Seoul. Data were collected by convenience sampling using self-reported questionnaires that consisted of items on general characteristics, depression, intergenerational social support exchange and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression.
RESULTS
Self-efficacy had the greatest impact on the level of depression among elderly women, followed by perceived health status and providing social support toward adult children. The model explained 39% of the variance.
CONCLUSION
Results of the study suggest that as a way to prevent depression, the health administration needs to develop programs to enhance self-efficacy and to promote the supportive role of elderly women within the family.

Key Words: Depression; Social support; Self-efficacy; Aged; Women