Abstract

Purpose: The study was undertaken from June 1 to July 15, 2008 to assess the effect of social support on self-esteem and life satisfaction in elderly volunteers. Methods: Social support, self-esteem, and life satisfaction were determined using previously established and accepted methods. Data analyses included frequency, ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and simple regression. Results: Subjects' social support, self-esteem, and life satisfaction were closely related. The relationships of social support/self-esteem, social support/life satisfaction, and self-esteem/life satisfaction were significant. Social support accounted for 15% of self-esteem and 12% of life satisfaction. Conclusions: Social support is a very important factor influencing self-esteem and life satisfaction of the elderly. Social support, which sustains the mental health of the elderly, represents one of the best strategic nursing interventions.

Keywords

• Social support;
• Self-esteem;
• Life satisfaction;
• Elderly

• 사회적 지지;
• 자아존중감;
• 생활만족도;
• 노인;