Date of Award
Spring 2009
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Fehring, Richard
Second Advisor
Lough, Mary Ann
Third Advisor
Cashin, Sue
Abstract
The purposes of the study are: 1. To explore whether changes occur in loneliness, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, NH satisfaction, and depressive symptoms in older adults newly admitted to a NH for rehabilitation from the time of admission to the time of discharge. 3 2. To identify whether changes in loneliness, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and NH satisfaction in older adults can predict the development of depressive symptoms in older adults newly admitted to a NH setting for rehabilitation from a post-acute health-related episode.The specific aims are: 1. Explore the changes that occur in loneliness, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, NH satisfaction, and depressive symptoms from the time of admission to a NH to the time of discharge or one month post-admission. 2. Explore the relationships among sex, marital status, age, socioeconomic status, family history of depression, prior history of depression, and comorbid conditions associated with depressive symptoms at the time of admission and at the time of discharge or one month post-admission. 3. Explore the contributions of loneliness, self-esteem, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, NH satisfaction, and/or the contribution of any combination of these factors to the development and evolution of depressive symptoms in nursing home residents at the time of discharge or 30 days post admission...