Article
Are old people more depressed? Cross-sectional data on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale factors.
Psychology and Aging
(1990)
Abstract
Age differences on the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were examined for 4 age–cohort groups: 20–39 years (n = 548), 40–54 years (n = 218), 55–69 years (n = 352), and 70–98 years (n = 212). On total CES-D, there was a significant age effect and quadratic trend, with means for the middle aged least and those for the oldest most elevated. On 4 CES-D subscales—Depressed Mood, Psychomotor Retardation, Lack of Well-being (i.e., reverse-scored items), and Interpersonal Difficulties—the oldest group scored highest only on lack of well-being. Somatic symptoms of depression were not elevated. Young adults scored highest on depressed mood. Adults who are now old were not generally characterized by elevated self-reports of depressive symptoms; however, on items asking whether the respondent has a hopeful outlook, those aged 70 and older were more likely to endorse a lack of such positive feelings. (APA PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Disciplines
Publication Date
June 1, 1990
DOI
10.1037/0882-7974.5.2.284
Citation Information
Margaret Gatz and Margo-Lea Hurwicz. "Are old people more depressed? Cross-sectional data on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale factors." Psychology and Aging Vol. 5 Iss. 2 (1990) p. 284 - 290 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/margo-hurwicz/20/