Effects of Job Participation on Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of the Elderly

일자리 참여 프로그램이 노인의 자아존중감과 생활만족도에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The effects of job participation on self-esteem and life satisfaction were investigated. Methods: Seventy residents of D welfare center located in G city who were >60 yr-of-age were selected for the study. The SERS research tool (Nugent and Thomas, 1993; modified by Koh, 2002) was used to assess self-esteem before and after a job participation program. The Cronbach's ${\alpha}$value-based reliability of this tool was 0.923 and 0.920 before and after the job participation program, respectively. Cronbach's ${\alpha}$value-based life satisfaction as measured according to Choi (1986) was 0.932 and 0.933 before and after the job participation program, respectively. Results: The hypothesis that job participation program increases self esteem was supported by the results. The mean self esteem of subjects before and after the job program, 3.31 and 3.48, respectively, represented a significant increase. The hypothesis that the job participation program increases life satisfaction was supported by the results. The mean life satisfaction index of subjects before and after the program, 3.04 and 3.24, respectively, represents a significant increase. Conclusions: Increased job opportunities and income guarantee for adults, particularly the elderly, can increase self-esteem, life satisfaction, and emotional stability.