Background
To gain new insights for support for older people with low mood, we explored the perceptions of ‘screenpositive’ older people on underlying causes and possible solutions.
Design and method
We conducted two in-depth interviews with 38 participants (≥77 years) who screened positive for depressive symptoms in general practice. To investigate the influence of the presence of complex health problems, we included 19 persons with and 19 without complex problems. Complex problems were defined as a combination of functional, somatic, psychological or social problems.
Results
All participants used several cognitive, social or practical coping strategies. Four patterns emerged: mastery, acceptance, ambivalence, and need for support. Some participants, especially those with complex problems, were ambivalent about possible interventions.
Conclusion
Most older participants perceived their coping strategies as sufficient. General practitioners can support self-management by exploring the (effectiveness of) personal coping strategies, providing information, elaborating on perceptions of risks and discussing alternative options with older persons.
Overview publication
Title | [Coping strategies of older people with low mood]. |
Date | December 1st, 2016 |
Issue name | Tijdschrift voor gerontologie en geriatrie |
Issue number | v47.6:249-257 |
DOI | 10.1007/s12439-016-0196-y |
PubMed | 27830438 |
Authors | |
Keywords | Depressive symptoms, Interventions, Low mood, Older people |
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