An Analysis of the Relationship Between Religiosity and Psychological Well-Being in Chilean Older People Using Structural Equation Modeling

Social networks and their association with depression in community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis

Depression is a common mental health condition among older adults, while social networks offer protection. This meta-analysis quantifies the relationship between the structural aspects of social networks and depression in this population. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception until July 2023. Eligible studies focused on community-dwelling older adults (mean age ≥60), defined depression, referenced social networks in the abstract, and were published in English. Random-effects meta-analyses combined standardized beta coefficients for continuous depression outcomes and log odds for binary outcomes. Study quality, heterogeneity and potential publication bias were evaluated. Sixty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Larger network size, frequent contact, and higher network scale scores were linked to lower depression levels, though effect sizes were modest. Network scales, incorporating structural and functional aspects, showed the strongest association with reduced depression, though this finding was rather suggestive. The distinction between family and friend networks was less significant, with combined measures and family ties showing stronger associations. Gender did not significantly influence the association, and continuous depression measures provided more nuanced insights than binary ones. Social networks offer modest protection against depression in older adults. Future research should standardize depression measures, further investigate gender and network differences, and explore long-term effects.

Social relations among older gay men and trans women in Chile: Diverse, intimate, functional and reciprocal networks

Although LGTBIQ+ groups have experienced social transformations towards greater levels of respect and public presence in Chile in recent decades, the life trajectories of older people remain marginal in studies and surveys regarding sexual and gender diversity. In a society where homophobia is a current and oppressive attitude despite important advances, it is essential to examine the experiences of older LGBTIQ+ people, especially because they are vulnerable to dual discrimination in old age owing to a combination of homophobia and ageism. This study involved an analysis of social ties based on the Convoy Model, to understand how different life courses have influenced the structuring of social networks in old age among gay men and trans women in Chile. Framed within the context of broader research into four axes of diversity in ageing, this study reports the results of thirteen biographies of older people (ten gay men and three trans women). In-depth interviews were conducted using a biographical approach in which the social links that accompany the life course are deepened. A thematic analysis strategy was applied and the interview data were processed through NVivo. The findings show three concentric circles surrounding the participants: closest (made up of partner, immediate family and chosen family), closer (made up biological and extended family) and close (made up of peers and neighbours). The older people are integrated into social networks with diverse compositions, share closeness and intimacy, receive emotional, informational and instrumental social support, and are active providers of reciprocal support. However, the study notes certain risk factors, such as the difficulty of cohabiting and maintaining relationships with a partner. Participants living alone reported fearing an absence of instrumental support during more advanced stages of the ageing process.

The association of social networks and depression in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Depression is a globally prevalent mental condition, particularly among older adults. Previous research has identified that social networks have a buffering effect on depression. Existing systematic reviews have either limited their research to specific geographic areas or provided evidence from over a decade ago. The vast body of recent literature particularly from the last decade emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review. This systematic review aims to analyze the association of structural aspects of social networks and depression in older adults.

METHODS

The electronic databases APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, PSYINDEX, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, and Web of Science were searched from date of data base inception until 11 July 2023. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported on community-dwelling older adults (defined as a mean age of at least 60 years old), had an acceptable definition for depression, referred to the term social network in the abstract, and were published in English. Quality was appraised using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Outcome data were extracted independently from each study and analyzed by direction of the relationship, social network domain and cross-sectional or longitudinal study design.

RESULTS

In total, 127 studies were included. The study categorizes structural network aspects into seven domains and finds that larger and more diverse networks, along with closer social ties, help mitigate depression. The literature on the relationships between depression and network density, homogeneity, and geographical proximity is scarce and inconclusive. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Despite inconsistent findings, this review highlights the importance of quantifying complex social relations of older adults. Limitations of this review include publication and language bias as well as the exclusion of qualitative research. Further research should use longitudinal approaches to further investigate the reciprocal relationship between social networks and depression. Following this review, interventions should promote the integration of older adults in larger and more diverse social settings. Other: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Grant [454899704]. This systematic review was pre-registered. The review-protocol can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6QDPK .

The COVID-19 Crisis, Religiosity and Spirituality Among Seventh-Day Adventist Older Adults

This study highlights the lived experience of Seventh-day Adventist older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, while focusing on their religious and spiritual practices during this event. The researchers conducted 10 in-depth qualitative interviews and found participants experienced notable changes in their personal spirituality and practices. Furthermore, findings showed participants categorizing the events of the pandemic in light of their understanding of the Bible. The analysis highlights the all-encompassing influence of spirituality and religiosity upon participants' experience of the world. The findings assist social workers to consider the importance of assessing and integrating older adults' spirituality as means to enhance their well-being.

The mediating role of religion and loneliness on the association between reminiscence functions and depression: a call to advance older adults' mental health

BACKGROUND

Current literature lacks evidence about the relationship between reminiscence functions and depression and the mediating role of clinical constructs such as loneliness and religion. The study aimed to examine the mediating effects of loneliness and religion on the association between reminiscence functions and depression in a sample of older Jordanian adults.

METHODS

An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from 365 older Jordanian adults. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit participants through social media.

RESULTS

In the depression model, Bitterness Revival and Intimacy Maintenance factors, educational level, and Intrinsic Religiosity were statistically significant predictors of depression. Bitterness Revival and Intimacy Maintenance factors, work sector, and Intrinsic Religiosity were statistically significant predictors of loneliness. Loneliness has a negative, partial mediating effect on Intimacy Maintenance and depression.

CONCLUSION

Depression caused by significant losses in the Arab Jordanian environment might be mitigated by Intimacy Maintenance by reducing feelings of loneliness. Understanding how Intimacy Maintenance correlates with depression through loneliness could help psychiatric nurses develop psychosocial interventions that reduce depression among older adults.

Social Support, Religiosity, Wisdom and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Indonesia

Purpose

As the population ages, it is critical to understand the elements that contribute to the well-being of older individuals. Prior research suggests that a better sense of mastery and purpose in life may explain at least some of the beneficial link between wisdom, religion, and subjective well-being. This current study seeks to identify a model of older persons' psychological well-being formation in a religious group. Whether psychosocial strengths such as religiosity, social support, and wisdom are directly related to psychological well-being. Self-acceptance, autonomy, positive interpersonal relationships, environmental mastery, personal growth, and a sense of life purpose are all components of psychological well-being.

Participants and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 261 participants, 42 men and 219 women aged 60 and up with normal cognitive, hearing, and/or speech functions. Participants lived in The boarding house in South Tapanuli-North Sumatra, Indonesia, for over 6 months. A backward translated Likert scales is used for data collection. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM).

Results

The results indicate that social support and religiosity have an effect on psychological well-being through wisdom as a mediator.

Conclusion

These findings emphasize the relevance of internal strengths for psychological well-being and give credence to the mediated path model's applicability to older adult communities in Indonesia.

Moderating Effect of Help-Seeking in the Relationship between Religiosity and Dispositional Gratitude among Polish Homeless Adults: A Brief Report

Although empirical reports draw attention to the pathological aspects of the functioning of the homeless, recent studies show the benefits related to the elevating roles of different positive phenomena in coping with difficulties for this group of people. The main goal was to verify whether there is a direct relationship between religiosity and gratitude among the homeless, and whether this association is moderated by the reported help-seeking since both religiosity and gratitude seem to play an important role in homeless people’s lives. In total, 189 homeless persons participated in the study. Their mean age was M = 56.55 (SD = 12.39; range = 27–86). Most respondents were men (n = 119; 63%). The Scale of Religious Attitude Intensity and the Gratitude Questionnaire were used. The outcomes presented a statistically significant positive correlation between religious attitude and gratitude (r = 0.326***, p = 0.001). Help-seeking played a moderatory role in this relationship. Therefore, it can be assumed that the relationship between religiosity attitude intensity and dispositional gratitude is stronger when homeless persons seek specific help from other people or institutions compared to when they do not look for assistance. Homeless people, overcoming their limitations by actively asking for help, can strengthen their bonds with God (faith, religiosity) and with others (dispositional gratitude).