Citation

Nasser R, Carifio J. Work 2012; 43(3): 303-312.

Affiliation

Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, IOS Press)

DOI

10.3233/WOR-2012-1371

PMID

22927587

Abstract

Objective: Belief in a just world (BJW) modulates people's abilities to cope with anxiety, fear, and life transitions and thus depression and its debilitating effects. Little is known about how Belief in a just world modulates these coping abilities in elderly nursing home residents or their levels of depression either. Participants: A sample of 354 cognitively able elderly nursing home residents in Lebanon was selected for the study. Methods: This study, therefore, explored elderly belief in a just world (BJW-S) by gender and length of time in elderly homes in its relation to levels of depression as measured by the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination screening instrument for older adults. Results: The findings showed no main significant effects for gender or length-of-stay on level of depression. The chief significant difference found was for scores on the belief in a just world scale and levels of depression. Those who had high scores on belief in a just world scored low on depression, and vice-versa. Conclusions: Therefore, a strong belief in a just world seemed to act as a preventative or coping mechanism against depression from initial transition forward for elderly nursing home residents.

Language: en