Depression in elderly: role of quality of life, orientation to life, and locus of control

Abstract

Depression is identified as one of the major mental health problem for elderly around the world. In Pakistan, geriatric depression is still less addressed problem. The aim of present study was to identify the predictive role of orientation to life, locus of control, and quality of life in depression among elderly. Mediating role of quality of life in between orientation to life and locus of control in predicting depression was also explored. Comparison between elderly residing in old-homes and community settings, and socio-demographic differences on depression, orientation to life, locus of control, and quality of life were also examined. Moderating role of place of residence for orientation to life and locus of control in predicting depression was explored too. Research was carried out in two phases; Pilot Study and Main Study. Participants (N= 292) of the current study were taken from old-homes (n = 87) and community (n = 205) including both men and women; age ranging from 60 to 110 years. Measures used included Urdu version of Geriatric Depression Scale by ltrat, Taqui, Qidwai, and Qadri (2007), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale by Khalid and Kausar (2008), Levenson Internality, Powerful Others, Chance Scale by Younis (2003), and Life Orientation Test by Ayub (2004) along with demographic sheet. All the instruments used in the study had sound psychometric properties. Results revealed psychological health, physical health, and social relationships domains of QOL, orientation to life, internal, and powerful others domain of locus of control as significant predictors of depression. Quality of life emerged· as mediator in between orientation to life and internal locus of control in predicting depression. Also it was found that participants of old- home had more depression, more belief in powerful others and chance locus of control, and lower quality of life overall and in three domains that is psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Place of residence emerged as moderator in between orientation to life and quality of life in predicting depression. Depression was more common in women, illiterate, economically dependent, participants having more physical health problems and those without partner. Findings are discussed in the light of implications for elderly depression.