Reflections on the recovery paradigm using religion/spirituality for Korean elderly adults: depression and well-being in life

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of religion/spirituality in promoting successful adjustment to stressful life experiences that may be associated with ageing, and the role of these factors in the recovery paradigm to reduce depression and to increase well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 217 senior citizens who consented to participate. After controlling for demographic variables, lower depression scores were recorded for those with higher levels of religious/spiritual coping, higher income and lower daily spiritual experiences. In addition, female participants were found to experience a lower level of well-being. Females or males who were much older experienced higher levels of well-being. These findings will be used to contribute to expanding the scope of social work services by addressing the role of daily spiritual experiences and mindfulness as effective recovery mechanisms for reducing depression and improving the well-being of elderly individuals.

Keywords::

• religion/spirituality
• geriatric depression
• well-being in life
• elderly Korean adults
• recovery paradigm

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Sogang University Research Grant of 2011.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sun Kyung Kang

Sun Kyung Kang is a professor at Department of Social Welfare in Sogang University.

Hun Jin Kim

Hun Jin Kim is an associate professor at Department of Social Welfare in Cheongju University.