The relationship of depression and self-transcendence among community-living Japanese elders

Abstract

This study is a replication of a study originally conducted on American elders. Since all cultures share common pathways in developing their life cycles, the Western lifespan developmental framework was applied to Japanese elders living in Japan. A descriptive correlational study was designed. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between self-transcendence, depression, and demographics among healthy Japanese older adults residing in the community. The findings from a sample of 33 elders include a significant inverse correlation between depression and perceived health. No significant relationship was found between the STS and CESD overall. However, significant relationships were found between depression and three STS items: sharing wisdom, enjoying pace of life, adjusting to present life situation. In terms of demographics, the perception of health and size of household were the most important correlates of Japanese elders' depression. Because of the small sample size and measurement problems, these findings are inconclusive yet encouraging concerning the relationship between Japanese older adults' self-transcendence and depression.