Estolloso, Juneseven R. and Manlapig, Luwell C. and Ordoñez, Philip Michael E. (2008) Emotional problems, motivations to live and coping strategies of institutionalized elderly in Bahay Kalinga [computer file]. Undergraduate thesis, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

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Abstract

Abstract Name of Institution : De La Salle University – Dasmariñas Address : Dasmariñas, Cavite Title : Emotional Problems, Motivations to Live, and Coping Strategies of Institutionalized Elderly Authors : Estolloso, Juneseven R. Manlapig, Luwell C. Ordoñez, Philip Michael E. Adviser : Dr. Luis Carmelo L. Buenaventura Degree : Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Date Started : June 2007 Date of Completion : March 2008 Total Expenses : Php 12,000 Source of Fund : Parents and Relatives Objectives of the Study A. General This study aimed to study the emotional problems, motivations to live, and coping strategies of institutionalized elderly in Bahay Kalinga. B. Specific This study sought to answer the following problems: 1. What is the demographic profile and background of the elderly in Bahay Kalinga? 2. What are the emotional problems encountered by the institutionalized Elderly of Bahay Kalinga? 3. What are the motivations of the institutionalized elderly of Bahay Kalinga in response to their emotional problems? 4. What are the coping strategies used by the institutionalized elderly of Bahay Kalinga in response to their emotional problems? Scope and Limitations This study focused on the emotional problems, motivation to live, and coping strategies of the institutionalized elderly of Bahay Kalinga. The researchers personally went to Bahay Kalinga in order to purposively select six respondents who possess the following criteria – aged 60 and above; has been in the institution for at least 4 months; has been adapted to the environment within the institution; willing to participate and cooperate; can hear, understand and comprehend; and has the ability to engage in an audible conversation. The respondents` responses regarding sensitive remarks were kept confidential for their safety and well-being. The researchers, in any way, did not intrude in the affairs and administration of the institution of the other elderly in the institution. Methodology The researchers used the descriptive design specifically the case study method, and used an interview guide in this research to describe the emotional problems, motivations to live, and coping strategies of institutionalized elderly. It was used to describe the nature of the current situations regarding the study and to explore the causes of the phenomena. The case study involved studying the respondents` experiences before and after their admission in the institution. The researchers conducted character background investigation that served as the key contributing source for the needed information regarding with the study. The gathered information became very important variables in the study. Major Findings 1. Most of the elderly in Bahay Kalinga are neglected by their families and have nowhere else to go. They have been transferred to Bahay Kalinga from other institutions through social workers and community helpers. 2. Most of the emotional problems encountered by the respondents are loneliness and depression, caused by illness and neglect by their family. Because of lack of attention, they sometimes isolate themselves and feel they are too old to still expect something from their lives. 3. The motivations of the respondents are not so different from the elderly outside the institutions, and in fact, not so different from younger people as well. They range from trivial and everyday motivations for reward to lifelong motivation for fulfillment. The usual object and source of their motivation are their families and relatives. The thought of being reunited with their families again gives them the courage and hope to live on. 4. The coping strategies of the elderly vary according to their emotional problems. However, most of the respondents’ coping strategies involve spiritual activities like praying and reading the bible. This spiritual approach is, in some ways, like a pseudo-form of fantasy in which individuals fantasize or hope for something or someone to help them. Conclusions The following conclusions were formulated based on the results: 1) The study shows that six (6) out of (6) of the respondents stated that they have emotional problems inside the institution. Most are family-related and since everyone has or had a family at one point in their life; therefore, it is safe to say that most, if not, all residents of the elderly institutions have emotional problems either family-related or other problems. 2) The study shows that the elderly who are confined into the premises of the institution have little ways to forget their problems and end up resorting to their spirituality and faith which are greatly strengthened by isolation. 3) The study shows that with so many restrictions and little ways to entertain them, the elderly are forced to become resourceful to forget their problems or suffer health and mental illness such as senility due to heavy emotional problems and absence of social interaction. 4) The researchers have learned that conditions inside institutions can affect the well-being of its residents, be it physical, mental, or emotional. 5) The study also shows that because of the emotional problems that the elderly encounter like depression, they tend to reach out to themselves and to God because they can no longer reach out to anyone else. They motivate them selves spiritually as they find relief and feelings of fulfillment because they believe that only through their spirituality, their emotional problems can be understood. 6) Interestingly enough, both the emotional problems and the coping strategies of spirituality are products of the same circumstance of isolation. 7) The researchers have learned from this study that institutionalized elderly are indeed flexible individuals capable of adapting to changing situations and creating different ways to cope with it. 8) The researchers have learned from this study that being far from family is difficult. Most of the elderly are longing for attention, care and love. The family gives them the reason to still live but being far from them gives the elderly emotional problems such as the feeling of being neglected. 9) Finally, the researchers conclude that emotional problems are related to the motivations and the coping strategies of institutionalized elderly in Bahay Kalinga. The motivations and coping strategies vary and change in accordance to the given emotional problems. Recommendations The researchers dedicate the following recommendations to the following groups of people: 1) Elderly People The researchers recommend the elderly to be more social and friendly with the people they meet. They should not withdraw from society but rather expose themselves more so that they could find friends that would, in some ways, replace the family they have lost. They should also voice out their complaints about the conditions and problems they are facing inside institutions. 2) Homes and Institutions Institutions and homes dedicated to elderly should pay more attention to the emotional needs of their residents. Since their emotional problems are the root of their withdrawal from society and the effect of them being institutionalized, institutions should try to make a way to alleviate or completely eliminate this by providing activities that could help them restore their self-esteem and forget their emotional problems. 3) Families The researchers recommend that families should try to take care of their elderly themselves as mush as possible. The family cannot be too sure in the well-being of their elderly. After all, there is no place like home. 4) Religious Sects Religious sects should conduct a study regarding the welfare of institutionalized elderly. The researchers recommend studying the living conditions and humanitarian issues of some institutions for the elderly. 5) The Younger Generation The younger generation should learn to respect the elderly and realize the problems they encounter in their daily lives. 6) Future Researchers The researchers recommend delving deeper into the living condition and treatment of the institutionalized elderly. The living condition inside the institution may contribute to either the worsening or the betterment of the condition of its residence; therefore, it is a very good and interesting topic to tackle the welfare of the elderly. There is much more that can be found out by studying the different living conditions of different institutions. 7) Bahay Kalinga The institution should take note of the conditions of its residents and listen to their pleas and statements. The administration should also try to check the performance of its staff and evaluate the living conditions inside the institution. It is important to the well-being and contentment of the residents to live in a comfortable condition and happy environment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Additional Information:	PSY 915 2008
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	25 Jan 2016 01:15
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2021 00:20
URI:	https://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/id/eprint/1165

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