The Effect of Suicidal Ideation, Self-esteem, and Family Life Satisfaction on Depression Among the Young-old, Middle-old and Old-old Elderly Koreans

Abstract

While the prevalence of depression in later life rises, little is known about how depression varies as the older population is divided into age-subgroups. The current study attempts to determine whether psychosocial factors have a varying effect on each of the age-subgroups. A sample of 5,445 individuals aged 55 and over was adopted from the 7th Korea Welfare Panel Study(KOWPs) surveyed in 2012. The sampled subjects were divided into three age subgroups - the young-old, the middle-old, and the old-old. Three hypothesis were as follows. Those having suicidal ideation will be at a greater risk for depression. In times of reduced social status, having lowered self-esteem will also lead to more depressive symptoms. In the traditional Korean family culture where family harmony is greatly emphasized, decreased family life satisfaction will increase depression. The old-old were found to be at greater risk for developing poorer mental health. Those belonging to the old-old showed the highest score for depressive symptoms, the highest score for susceptibility to suicidal ideation, lowest self-esteem and negative family life satisfaction. To achieve a better mental health status, appropriate programs and policy implications for each age group were suggested.