J Korean Acad Nurs.  2012 Oct;42(5):680-688. 10.4040/jkan.2012.42.5.680.

Effect of Family Cohesion, Subjective Happiness and other Factors on Death Anxiety in Korean Elders

• Jo KH
• Song BS

• KMID: 1499495
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2012.42.5.680

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purposes of this study were to explore the effects of family cohesion and subjective happiness on death anxiety of Korean elders and to identify other factors contributing to death anxiety.
METHODS
The participants were 280 elders who lived in P metropolitan city. Data were collected between November 5, 2011 and January 12, 2012 using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), Family Cohesion Evaluation Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, and Fear of Death Scale (FODS). Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 19.0 program.
RESULTS
Family cohesion, marital status, religious activity, perceived health status, and subjective happiness were included in the factors affecting death anxiety of Korean elders. These variables explained 50.1% of death anxiety.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study indicate that these variables should be considered in developing nursing intervention programs to decrease death anxiety and increase family cohesion and subjective happiness for life integration in Korean elders.

Keyword

Family; Cohesion; Elderly; Death; Anxiety

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
*Anxiety
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
*Attitude to Death
*Family Relations
Female
*Happiness
Health Status
Humans
Male
Marriage
Questionnaires
Religion
Republic of Korea

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