Religiosity and Depression Among Nursing Home Residents: Results of a Survey of Ten States

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study extends the growing literature on religiosity and mental health to include those in long-term care. A distress deterrent model and moderator/exacerbator model of religiosity's effects on depression are compared in a sample of 1449 nursing home residents from ten states. Both direct and interactive effects of religiosity in response to health, non-family, and family relationship stressors were tested using regression analysis. Direct effects of religious activity supporting the distress deterrent model were found only among white men. Moderation effects of prior church attendance on a non-family relationship stressor were found among white women. Exacerbation effects of family conflict on depression were found only among whites. Among blacks, strength of faith moderated the depressive effects of both health and non-family relationship stressors. Differential results by race and gender are discussed in light of prior research on religiosity and depression in the community dwelling elderly.