Publication Date

1994

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Rane-Szostak, Donna

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Nursing

LCSH

Loneliness in old age--Illinois--Rockford; Older people--Illinois--Rockford--Psychology; Adjustment (Psychology) in old age--Illinois--Rockford

Abstract

This is an exploratory study using the theoretical framework of Lazarus and Folkman to elicit information regarding coping strategies and loneliness in the homebound elderly living alone. A sample of 40 men and women over the age of 60 who use homecare services in the Rockford, Illinois area were interviewed in their home. The researcher administered the Revised Jalowiec Coping Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and gathered demographic data. Data were analyzed by using a one-way ANOVA to test for the use of problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and combinations of coping behaviors on levels of loneliness. No significant differences were found between different types of coping strategies and their effect upon loneliness. The findings, overall, revealed low loneliness scores. Additional findings revealed optimism and confrontive coping methods were most frequently used by respondents and correlations were found when functional ability, age, and education were compared with loneliness.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [55]-57)

Extent

v, 88 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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