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. 2021 Dec;10(12):4542-4547.
doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_881_21. Epub 2021 Dec 27.

Predicting depression among the elderly by stressful life events and coping strategies

Hemin Saadati  1 , Mahshid Froughan  2 , Manouchehr Azkhosh  1 , Bahman Bahmani  1 , Mohammad Saeed Khanjani  1
Affiliations

Predicting depression among the elderly by stressful life events and coping strategies

Hemin Saadati et al. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Background and aim: Aging is a stage during which stressful events occur frequently. The method of coping with this stress can play an important role in an elderly's mental health. The present study aimed at investigating the role of coping strategies in stressful life events associated with depression.

Method: The present study was a correlational one conducted by structural equation analysis. As many as 841 elderly people were selected from the general population by adopting a cluster sampling method. Beck's Depression Inventory as well as strategies of coping with stress and stressful events were applied.

Results: The model test, analyzed by AMOS by using path analysis, indicated that age is positively associated with stressful life events and depression. The "stressful life events" variable is directly and indirectly associated with depression. The emotion-focused coping strategies were positively associated with depression, and problem-focused coping strategies were negatively associated with depression.

Conclusion: As an individual grows older and experiences stressful life events, his/her depression increases. Elderly people with problem-focused coping strategies are likely to experience less depression.

Keywords: Aging; coping strategies; depression; stressful life events.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Diagram 1
Diagram 1
Path coefficient diagram of direct effects of experimental model
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