Religiosity/Spirituality, Social Support, General Self-Efficacy And Mental Health Of Community Dwelling Older Adults In Accra

ABSTRACT

Older adulthood is a developmental stage accompanied by a number of existential challenges. Nonetheless, a conceptual shift towards successful and positive ageing has been proposed by researchers and stakeholders of health. It was the aim of this study to find out the relationship between successful ageing variables and positive mental health. Two hundred and fifty older adults (118 males and 132 females) with the mean age of 71 were conveniently sampled from HelpAge Associations in Osu, Achimota, Abofu and Apenkwa, suburbs of Greater Accra region in Ghana. The questionnaires administered included measures of Spirituality and Religiosity, Social Support, Self-Efficacy and Mental Health. Results from the SPSS analyses indicated that Spiritual Transcendence, General Self-efficacy and Family Support were positively related to the Mental Health of older adults. Consistent with the Gerotranscendence theory, the results revealed significant differences in Spiritual Transcendence among age group categories of older adults. Further, the results indicated that education level determines the support older adults receive from friends. The results revealed a significant moderating effect of General Self-Efficacy on the relationship between Spiritual Transcendence and Mental Health meaning General Self-Efficacy strengthens the relationship between Spiritual Transcendence and Mental Health. The results from the study however indicate that Religious Sentiments and support from friends have no significant relationship with mental health. The findings from this study imply that the concept of positive ageing is largely related to mental health among community dwelling older adults in Accra hence should be promoted in psychological practice and public health interventions.