J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2015 Nov;21(4):499-508. 10.5977/jkasne.2015.21.4.499.

The Influencing Factors on the Ego Integrity of Elderly Living Alone

• Jeong HJ
• Yoon SH

• KMID: 2129746
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2015.21.4.499

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted in order to determine the extent of ego integrity and to confirm the association between the sense of ego integrity and integrated loneliness, social support, and social activities.
METHODS
For this study, 146 elderly people participated. The data was analyzed with SPSS/WIN 21.0, using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis.
RESULTS
In regards to differences between ego integrity according to general characteristics of subjects, there was a statistically significant difference in education (F=4.13, p=.007). In elderly living alone, ego integrity was significantly positive correlated with social support and social activities, but negative correlated with loneliness. These variables explained 43.2% of the sense of ego integrity.
CONCLUSION
The study suggested that nursing programs and social activity programs designed to aid the elderly living alone must focus on reducing loneliness, as well as increasing social support and social activities, while taking education into consideration. Also, these programs should strive to build social support systems.

Keyword

The elderly living alone; Loneliness; Social support; Social activities; Ego integrity

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Education
Ego*
Humans
Loneliness
Nursing