Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
Transcript of Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
1/39
Gerontology
and thePsychology ofReligion, , -y a n A d a m s S et h B r id g e s J o y B r o ck a n d L i s a, , -y a n A d a m s S e t h B r id g e s J o y B r o c k a n d L i s a
a r i e B r ow na r i e B r ow n
e ge nt U ni ve rs it ye ge nt U ni ve rs it y
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
2/39
A Life Lived
Aging
What are yourfeelings about this?
Where do those feelings come from?
We all have one thing in common
Michale Cristofer, The Shadow Box
A salient truth, but not necessarily asad one
One does not have to fear aging (1 Cor.15: 54-55)
How do you feel when you hear this
passage? Where do you think those feelings
come from?
Where can hope be found?
What can one do to cope as one ages?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GroDErHIM_0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GroDErHIM_0 -
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
3/39
Focus on the Facts
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
4/39
How Old is Old?
Vague QualificationsElderly
Geriatric
Early old, middle old, oldest old
Functionality not accounted for
Functional and Life Event QualificationThird Ager
Period between retirement and onset ofphysical limitation
Accounts for individual variability
Not as stigmatizing
Works with Eriksonian stage of Generativity
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
5/39
.generativity may befound in any activity social, political, or
cultural...Evenengaging in suchleisure activities asgolf can be seen as
modeling a still-active, enjoyment-seeking way of life forfuture generations(Weiss & Bass, 2002, p. 33).
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
6/39
Religion and the ThirdAgeWeekly attendance and religious activities
higher as age increases (McFadden & Levin,1996, p. 351)
Church attendance drops after the onset of
physical ailments (Koenig, 1994, p. 130;1998; McFadden & Levin, 1996, p. 350-351)Compensated by an increase in alternative
religious activities like prayer or radiolistening
Religious attendance related toRaceLower SESLower educationFewer impairing health burdens
Greater life stressors (Koenig, 1998)
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
7/39
The Mystic Third Age
The potential challenges and life-coursetransitions associated with aging may facilitatemystical interludes or more lasting experiencesof transcendence (Levin, 2003, p. 408)
With the Baby Boomer spiritualized generationentering the Third Age this is becoming an areaof focus
Can occur in many different areas of life (e.g., time,death, the self, wealth, religion, etc.; Tornstam,1999)
Limited research in the behavioral health field ofgerontology
Little interest from most mainline religiousinstitutions
Implications for advocacy and research?
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
8/39
Benefits of Religion
Karl Marxs Opiate
Support A place to express fears, sorrow, bereavement
Bear each others burdens (Gal. 6:2)
Provides an outlet and inlet for positiveemotions (McFadden, 2003, p. 47)
Sharing in rituals connects them to acommunity and to their past relationships(Friedman, 2003)
Correlations between religiousness andphysical and mental health (Battle & Idler,2003; McFadden & Levin, 1996, p. 351-354) Lower rates of poor lifestyle choices (drinking,
smoking)
Increased social support networks
Greater positive emotional inlets and outlets
Religious beliefs encourage positive healthbeliefs (body as a temple)
Increase positive mental attitudes toward life
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
9/39
Race and SexDifferences
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
10/39
Race Differences
Older African Americans are more involved inreligion than older Caucasians (Krause, 2002)Attend church more often, read religious books
more often, feel that religion is moreimportant in their lives
In both groups, church attendance = feelingcloser to God because of congregationalcohesiveness, spiritual support andemotional support (social benefits)
African Americans who attend church are moreoptimistic than Caucasians (Krause, 2002)
African Americans had the sense thatspirituality offered protective factors
Caucasians defined spirituality moreuniversally, discussing the mystery anddeeper connectedness of all things (Cohen,
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
11/39
Race Differences
Benefits of prayer expectancy were
more evident for African Americansas opposed to Caucasian (Krause,2004)
Emotional support from clergy bolstersAfrican Americans self-esteem (butnot Caucasians) (Krause, 2003)
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
12/39
Race Differences
Religion and Health (McAuley, Pecchioni, & Grant,2000)
African Americans have specific roleexpectations for God
African Americans relate things to God ina more spontaneous manner
African Americans talk in personal termsand use personal parables
Caucasians use simple descriptions andexpress their religious lives in terms oforganizational or personal religiousactivities
African Americans described religious
activities, but referenced their religiousbeliefs/relationship with God as well
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
13/39
Race Differences
Hispanic and those of Latin AmericanDescent are more likely than Caucasians toattend church (Seifert, 2002)
Mexican American church attendance
Is associated with slower rates of cognitivedecline among older Mexican Americans(Hill, Burdette, J. L. Angel & R. J. Angel, 2006)
Is associated with a 32% reduction in the riskof mortality compared to those who neverattend religious services (Hill, J. L. Angel,Ellison, & R. J. Angel, 2005)
Older JapaneseAre not highly involved in religious
institutionsEngage frequently in private religious
practicesAdhere to some beliefs and not others
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
14/39
Sex Differences
Older women are more likely to be involved in groupworship activities than men (Levin et al., 1994; Krause, 2006) Women tend to pray more than men Women report religion is more important to them
Older men benefit from organizational religiosity more
than women Increase in religiosity = decrease in depressive
symptoms Increase in religiosity = increase in optimism and
self-esteem
Higher levels of organizational religiosity haddeleterious effect for men and women High and moderate non-organizational religiosity
were related to lower levels of death anxiety.
There is often female membership and male
leadership Exception: African American women can carry the
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
15/39
Sex Differences
Some studies suggest women benefit fromreligious involvement overallHigher in rural than urban areas
Japanese Women
Attend religious institutions more oftenPray more often at home
Pray more for relief from stress and to achievewishes and practical benefits
Read religious literature at home morefrequently
More likely than older men to believe that godsor deceased ancestors punish for badbehavior; More likely to believe in heaven andhell; spirit lives on after death; Death is onepoint on the way to eternal happiness
Latino/Hispanic cultural roles may affectmeasures of reli iousness and s iritualit
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
16/39
Trauma
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
17/39
Effects of Trauma
Trauma: spectacular,horrifying, and justdeeply disturbingexperiences (Wheaton,1994)
Types Abuse
Witnessing a crime
Premature orunexpected loss ofa loved one
Combat
Trauma is associatedwith worse health,less closerelationships, lack ofsense of mastery,
greater use ofalcohol and drugs
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
18/39
Trauma in theLifecourseThe impact of a traumatic event may
depend on the age or developmentalstage in which it is encountered.
Prayer helps older people cope withtraumatic events that arose specificallyduring childhood
Traumatic events that arose during childhoodare associated with elevated depressed
affect scores for older people who haverelatively weak trust-based prayer beliefs(Krause, 2009).
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
19/39
Amount of TraumaticEventsOlder people who experience more
traumatic events over the course of theirlives tend to report more depressedaffect symptoms than older adults who
encountered fewer traumatic events intheir lifetime, but not somatic symptoms.
Prayer helps older people cope withmultiple traumatic events that arose
specifically during childhood.In highest level of trust-based prayerbeliefs, greater exposure to traumaticevents during childhood is associatedwith fewer symptoms of depression.(Krause, 2009)
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
20/39
Amount of TraumaticEventsThe evidence is overwhelming that
individuals facing a wide variety ofvery difficult circumstancesexperience significant changes in
their lives that they view as highlypositive (Krause, 2009).
Grappling with adversity may also
provide an opportunity to deepenones faith.
Holocaust survivors: higher PTSDsymptoms, but also higher health-
enhancing habits (Cassel & Suedfeld,
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
21/39
A Period of Reconstructionand RedefinitionGrief and loss
Parental, spousal, child, or friend deathor leaving
Independence, physical ability,purpose, home
[loss] requires the abandonment offamiliar meanings and the
reconstruction of a new organizationof reality (Weiss & Bass, 2002, p. 21)
May lead to more spiritual, mystical, or
transcendental understanding
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
22/39
The losses wrought byaging test our capacity
to adapt emotionally,physically, socially, andcertainly spiritually inour search for the
sacred. Our defaultposition is to hang on to try to preserve theways of coping that
have served usthroughout our lives.Only when our valuescannot hold are we
persuaded to release
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
23/39
How to help
Older individuals cope withtrauma differently
Emotional support offsets theeffects of trauma
Need to develop specificinterventions
Interventions involving increasing
a sense of mastery andinvolving emotional supportwould be most effective (Krause,2004)
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
24/39
TherapeuticTherapeuticImplicationsImplications
erapeu cerapeu c
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
25/39
erapeu cerapeu cImplicationsImplications
E va lu a te Pe rson a l B ia se s
D e v e lo p a n d M a in ta in
C o m p e te n cie s
Accurate Assessment andDiagnoses
Sources of ReimbursementMedicareMedicaid
Veterans Benefits Private Insurance
Age does not diminish the
extreme disappointment ofhaving a scoop of ice cream
.fall from the cone
-Jim Fiebig
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
26/39
Multidisciplinary/Interdisciplinary Collaboration
accurate assessment and treatment
Outpatient settings, collaboration with theclient's primary health care provider is
critical to understanding whether initialpsychological symptoms and acute changes inthe client's mental status have amedical component.
Collaboration with resident staff if nursing
homes/assisted care facilities-expands cholo ists understandin of clients da -to-
e ra p e u t cra p e u t cIm p lica tio n sm p lic a tio n s
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
27/39
EthicalEthicalConsiderationsConsiderations
Client Autonomy:unless declaredincompetent, theolder adult has a
right to makedecisions toinitiate, withdraw,or terminate
treatment andcan refusemedications,surgery, and
researchartici ation.
Maintain ClientConfidentiality:
Written PermissionAppointed Guardian
Minimal Disclosure
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
28/39
What Are Larger Roles That thePsychologist With a ProfessionalInterest in Older Adults Can Play?
Education: normal aging, commonproblems amongst this group,
relevant interventions
Advocacy: public policy (local, state,or national). Involvement
w/professional organizations
Research: Psychologists strive togain knowledge about theory and
research in aging.
Th ti ITh ti I
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
29/39
Therapeutic IssuesTherapeutic Issues
Depression & SuicideDepression & Suicide
Depression: Geriatric population less susceptiblethan young or middle aged adults todevelop affective disorders (experience lessstress as they age).
Depressed symptoms are likely to increase by age70
Although 1-2% of elderly adults have majordepressive disorder at a given time, 15% experiencedepressive symptoms
Depression much more difficult to diagnose inlater adulthood (fatigue, lack of energy, sleepingdifficulties more common amongst the elderly)
depression vs. aging
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
30/39
Depression & Suicide
Gender differences, females are more likely todevelop depression (2:1) women more likely toadmit feeling depressed, and are more likely toseek help and are likely to express typicalsymptoms
Will they seek treatment? (undiagnosed &untreated)
Mental health perception elderly depression is
untreatable
Suicide
Especially in the face of loss, illness, or mentaldisorder, older adults are more likely tocommit suicide than younger adults
Highest risk group is white men over 85
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
31/39
Hope in the Midst ofHope in the Midst of
DespairDespair
but we also rejoice inour suffering,because we knowthat such sufferings
produceperseverance;perseverance,character; and
character, hope. Andhope does notdisappoint us,because God has
poured out his love
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
32/39
Potential SpiritualInterventions
Spiritualautobiographywriting(Morgan, 2003)
Volunteerministries(Seeber, 2003)
Have them
define theirsense of self-responsibility tocare forthemselves
spiritually (Rost,
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
33/39
Areas for FurtherResearchExperience of mysticism or
transcendence as one ages
How changes in cognitions affect
religious life
Methods of assessing religiosity inpeople with age related disorders
(e.g., Alzheimer's)
Benefits of religious involvement usedas therapeutic intervention
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
34/39
Take a look
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
35/39
Spirituality and Aging Foru
http://www.pbs.org/lifepart2/watch/season-2/spirituality-and-aginghttp://www.pbs.org/lifepart2/watch/season-2/spirituality-and-aging -
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
36/39
Take it home
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
37/39
References Frankl, V. (1984). Mans search for meaning. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Koenig, H. G. (1994).Aging and God: Spiritual pathways to mental health in midlife and later years. Binghamton, NY: TheHaworth Press, Inc.
Levin, J. (2003). Bumping the top: Is mysticism the future of religious gerontology. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 412-421).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Devor, N. G. & Pargament, K. I. (2003). Understanding religious coping with late-life crises. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden(Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 195-205).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Krause, N. (2002). Church-based social support and health in old age: Exploring variations by race.Journal of Gerontology,57B(6), S332-S347.
McFarland, M.J. (2009). Religion and mental health among older adults: do the effects of religious involvement vary by gender?Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 10, 1-10.
McFadden, S. H. (2003). Older adults emotions in religious contexts. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality,and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 47-58).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Battle, V. D. & Idler, E. L. (2003). Meaning and effects of congregational religious participation. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden
(Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 121-133).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Friedman, D. A. (2003). An anchor amidst anomie: Ritual and aging. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality,and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 134-144).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Neuger, C. C. (2003). Does gender influence late-life spiritual potentials. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging,spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 59-73).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Krause, N. (2009). Lifetime trauma, prayer, and psychological distress in late life. International Journal for the Psychology ofReligion, 19(1), 55-72. doi:10.1080/10508610802471112.
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
38/39
References Morgan, R. L. (2003). Small group approaches to group spiritual autobiography writing. In M. A. Kimble
& S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 157-167).Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Seeber, J. J. (2003). Volunteer ministries with older adults. In M. A. Kimble & S. H. McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 168-179).Minneapolis, MN: AugsburgFortress.
Rost, R. A. (2003). Issues of grace and sin in pastoral care with older adults. In M. A. Kimble & S. H.McFadden (Eds.),Aging, spirituality, and religion: Vol. 2.A handbook(pp. 239-254).Minneapolis,
MN: Augsburg Fortress.
Tornstam, L. (1999). Late-life transcendence: A new developmental perspective on aging. In L. E.Thomas & S. A. Eisenhandler (Eds.), Religion, belief, and spirituality in late life (pp. 178-202). NewYork, NY: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.
van der Hal-Van Raalte, E., Van IJzendoorn, M., & Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. (2007). Quality of careafter early childhood trauma and well-being in later life: Child Holocaust survivors reaching old age.American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77(4), 514-522. doi:10.1037/0002-9432.77.4.514.
McFadden, S. H. & Levin, J. S. (1996). Religion, emotions, and health. In C. Magai & S. H. McFadden(Eds.), Handbook of emotion, adult development, and aging (pp. 349-365). San Diego, CA:Academic Press.
Koenig, H. G. (1998). Religious attitudes and practices of hospitalized medically ill older adults.International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 13, 213-224.
Krause, N. (2004). Lifetime Trauma, Emotional Support, and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults. TheGerontologist, 44(5), 615-623. Retrieved from PsycINFO database.
-
8/9/2019 Final_Gerontology and Psychology of Religion-1
39/39
References Wheaton, B., Roszell, P., & Hall, K. (1997). The impact of twenty childhood and adult traumatic stressors
on the risk of psychiatric disorder. In I. H. Gotlieb & B. Wheaton (Eds.), Stress and adversity over
the life course (pp. 5072). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Krause, N., Shaw, B., & Cairney, J. (2004). A Descriptive Epidemiology of Lifetime Trauma and thePhysical Health Status of Older Adults. Psychology and Aging, 19(4), 637-648. doi:10.1037/0882-7974.19.4.637.
Seifert, L. (2002). Toward a psychology of religion, spirituality, meaning-search, and aging: Pastresearch and a practical application.Journal of Adult Development, 9(1), 61-70.
Cohen, H. L., Thomas, C. L., & Williamson, C. (2008). Religion and spirituality as defined by older adults.Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 51(3), 284-299.
Hill, T. D., Burdette, A. M., Angel, J. L., & Angel, R. J. (2006). Religious Attendance and CognitiveFunctioning Among Older Mexican Americans.Journal of Gerontology: PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES ,61B(1), 39.
McAuley, W. J., Pecchioni, L., & Grant, J. (2000). Personal acounts of the role of God in health and illnessamong older rural African American and White residents.Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 15,13-25.
Krause, N. (2003). Exploring race differences in the relationship between social interaction with theclergy and feelings of self-worth late in life. Sociology of Religion, 64(2), 183-205.
Moberg, D. O. (2008). Spirituality and aging: Research and implications.Journal of Religion, 20(1), 95-134.
Krause N Liang J Bennett J Kobayashi E Akiyama H & Fukaya T (2010) A descriptive analysis of