Stress Coping Process in Elderly People: Grounded Theory Approach

Kim, Ae Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the stress-coping process used by elderly people. METHOD: This study was based on the grounded theory methodology of Strauss & Corbin. The participants were 15 elders selected by theoretical sampling. Over a period of 3 months, in-depth interviews using audiotape recording were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed simultaneously by a constant comparative method in which new data were continuously coded in categories and properties according to Strauss and Corbin's methodology. RESULT: Stress in elderly people is caused by illness, family conflict, and loss of economic power. Stress occurred in connection with aging and limitation of social activity. The central incidents for stress were fear, alienation and anxiety. It was found that action/interactional strategies of stress-coping behavior were related to social support and mobility disorders. Action/interactional strategies to stress-coping in elderly people were dependent on medical treatment, mind control, participation of social activity, and renunciation of offensive behavior. Stress-coping in elderly people resulted in stability or instability in body and mind. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the results of this study may contribute to the development stress-coping strategies for elderly people. There is need to develop social support systems and a positive environment to avoid negative coping strategies.