The Influencing Factors on the Ego Integrity of Elderly Living Alone / 한국간호교육학회지

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.