Abstract

The propose of this study is to examine the economic stresses and coping strategies for elderly households depending on the variables of background, and to analyze the relations between these factors. Elderly households which satisfied the following criteria were recruited for participation: (a) reside in Seoul, or in the metropolitan area (b) live apart from their adult children after retirement and (c) ages over sixty. From September 20th, 2006 to November 30th, 2006, 296 were used for this research. First, the mean score of the economic stress level of elderly households was 2.87 out of 5, and the stress levels of income expenditure and asset debt were intermediate. The mean score of the economic coping strategy was 3.17 out of 5. In order to overcome economic stress, elderly households utilized reducing their expenditure, financial management, and re-employment. The level of elderly households' life satisfaction was 3.29 of 5 and the depression was 3.17 of 5. Second, there was a difference in accordance with the objective economic variables and the degree of the economic stress after the review of the variables of the elderly households and the coping strategy due to economic stress. The result shows that the households which had a low economic status and high economic stress from the objective viewpoint participated in more economic activities. Their reactions were to decrease the overall expenditure through reducing the expenditure rather than to manage the asset effectively through re-employment or to inaugurating a business. Third, I analyzed situational factors, economic stress, and economic coping strategy in order to compare relative contributors to psychological well-being through using regression. At the third phase in the process of analysis, the socio-psychological factors appeared to be significant factors contributing to psychological well-being. Regarding the stress caused by income expenditure increased, when elderly households were more concerned about reducing expenditure and re-employment, their feelings of depression increased.

Keywords

• economic stress;
• coping strategy;
• psychological wellbeing

• 경제적 스트레스;
• 대처행동;
• 심리적 복지감;