The role of religion in mediating the transition to residential care

Lowis, M. J., Edwards, A., Roe, C. A., Jewell, A., Jackson, M. I. and Tidmarsh, W. M. (2005) The role of religion in mediating the transition to residential care. Journal of Aging Studies. 19(3), pp. 349-362. 0890-4065.

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Abstract:

Purpose The move from independent domicile to residential care can be a traumatic experience for the elderly. This study investigated the mediatory role of the individual's religious and spiritual beliefs on coping with this transition. Design and methods A self-report survey design was used, and questionnaires were administered to 50 individuals who had entered residential care within the previous 12 months. Results The analyses showed that scores on a life satisfaction scale were significantly and positively correlated with those from a spirituality measure (p = .033), from a faith in nature and humanity scale (p = .001), and from an instrument to measure the use of religion as a coping measure (p = .004). Contrary to the hypotheses, there were no such significant relationships with measures of either organised or non-organised religion. The relationships between variables were further explored through a path analysis. Implications The findings pointed to the benefits of a more personal and subjective belief system than a formal one. We concluded that it is important for all those who work with the elderly to acknowledge and recognise the role that religious and spiritual beliefs may have as a coping mechanism during stressful times

Additional Information:

UoA 12, RAE 2008

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Elderly; Life satisfaction; Religion; Spirituality; Residential care; Coping

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV1450 Aged
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1060 Aged. Gerontology (Social aspects). Retirement
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion > BL624 Religious life. Religious experience > BL625.4 Aged

Creators:

Lowis, M. J., Edwards, A., Roe, C. A., Jewell, A., Jackson, M. I. and Tidmarsh, W. M.

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for the Study of Anomalous Psychological Processes
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society
Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences

Date:

1 September 2005