Volume : 3, Issue : 6, June - 2014

The Relationship Between Characteristics of Personality and Depression in the Elderly South Indian Population.

Dr. M. Ganesh, Dr. S. A. Sridevi, Dr Lashmayan. M.

Abstract :

The Indian subcontinent has a growing population of geriatric age group. The ability of the elderly population to cope with the problems of ageing determines the possibility of depression developing in the cognitive apparatus of the subjects. Personality aspects have been mentioned as factors that may contribute for the development of depression in old age.  The aim of the study is to understand the relationship between the personality type and the onset of depressive symptoms in elderly population. The study is done on 86 individuals, aged between 60–86 years. Consent properly obtained from all the subjects for willingness to the study. Meyers Briggs Type Indicator is used to assess the type of personality whereas the level of depression is evaluated using the geriatric depression scale (GDS) along with the demographic and social status information. When the data analyzed, it is found that the individuals may be divided into two groups (group 1 and 2) based on their personality characteristics. Group I is found to be more preoccupied with others while group 2 more self centered. There is a clear indication of an association existing between personality characteristics and depression in the elderly. The subjects in group 1, who are more devoted to the others, more deferential, organized, persistent and interactive, present more depressive symptoms in relation to those in group 2, who are more self–centered, less interactive and less dominant. Measures to manage the ageing process successfully by involving the elders in more social events need to be stressed.