Depressive Symptoms Across the Lifespan
Author Information
Author(s): Walker Teresa, Renn Brenna
Primary Institution: University of Nevada Las Vegas
Hypothesis
Older adults are more likely to endorse somatic rather than mood symptoms of depression compared to younger people.
Conclusion
The study found that older adults did not significantly differ from younger age groups in their endorsement of depressive symptoms, challenging previous assumptions.
Supporting Evidence
- Chi-squared tests revealed significant differences in depressive symptoms across some age groups.
- Young-older adults significantly differed from at least one other age group on sleep disturbance, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, and suicidal ideation.
- Older adults did not significantly differ from other age groups on any depressive symptom items.
Takeaway
The study looked at how different age groups report feelings of depression and found that older people don't always show more physical symptoms than younger people.
Methodology
Participants were categorized into age groups and responses to the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were analyzed using chi-squared tests.
Participant Demographics
Participants were categorized into young adults (18-24 years), middle adults (25-55 years), young-older adults (56-75 years), and older adults (76+ years).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website