Publication Date

1982

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Frank-Stromborg, Marilyn

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Nursing

LCSH

Day care centers for the aged--Illinois; Older people--Care--Illinois

Abstract

This study attempted to determine if a difference exists in self-reported life satisfaction in a group of homebound elderly individuals regularly attending an adult day care center as compared to a group of homebound elderly individuals not attending an adult day care center. The instrument used was the Life Satisfaction Index Z (LSIZ), which measures four components of life satisfaction: zest for life, resolution and fortitude, congruence, and positive mood tone. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in these four components of life satisfaction in attenders at an adult day care center as compared to non-attenders. The LSIZ was administered to 60 individuals over age 60, 30 in the day care group and 30 in the homebound group. The samples were selected by convenience from two neighboring communities each served by an adult day care center. The data in the study were the positive responses to the LSIZ. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the LSIZ scores of the attenders at the day care centers with the scores of the non-attenders. Certain demographic variables were also analyzed to identify their impact on the four components of life satisfaction. Results of the data analysis indicated that: 1. There was no difference in zest for life or in congruence between the attenders at the day care centers and the non-attenders. 2. There was a difference in resolution and fortitude and in positive mood tone between the attenders at the day care centers and the non-attenders. The attenders scored significantly higher. The demographic variables of socioeconomic status, ethnic background, and living arrangements had an impact on resolution and fortitude. The variables of socio-economic status and perceived health had an impact on positive mood tone. This study indicates that regular attendance at an adult day care center, socio-economic status, ethnic background, and living arrangements positively affect resolution and fortitude. Attendance at an adult day care center, socio-economic status, and perceived health have a positive affect on mood tone.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

v, 52 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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