The Korean Journal of Community Living Science (한국지역사회생활과학회지)

The Korean Society of Community Living Science (한국지역사회생활과학회)
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Effect of Social Exclusion on Depression and Suicidal Ideation among the Elderly in Korea: Focus on Gender Differences

노인단독가구 노인의 사회적 배제, 우울 및 자살생각 : 성 차이를 중심으로

  • 이정화 (전남대학교 생활환경복지학과, 생활과학연구소) ;
  • 오영은 (광주복지재단)
  • Received : 2016.09.30
  • Accepted : 2016.11.22
  • Published : 2016.11.30
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Abstract

The ratio of suicide among the elderly in Korea has nearly tripled within the last 20 years. With this in mind, this study examined the effects of social exclusion on depression and suicidal ideation among the elderly living in elderly-only households with a focus on gender differences. Social exclusion is composed of economic, health, housing, education, social participation, and relational aspects. For this study, data were gathered from 527 participants aged 65 years and over. The statistical methods used for data analysis were descriptive statistics, chi-square test, t-test, and hierarchical regression analysis with the SPSS Win 20.0 program. The results of this study are summarized as follows: First, more than 80% of the elderly experienced social exclusion. Women were shown to be more vulnerable than men in terms of housing exclusion, educational exclusion, health exclusion, and multiple exclusion, whereas men were more vulnerable than women in terms of social participation exclusion. Second, social exclusion had significant effects on suicidal ideation among the Korean elderly. We also observed gender differences in the results. Regression analysis of suicidal ideation showed that relational exclusion had a significant effect on suicidal ideation in men, whereas health exclusion had a significant effect on suicidal ideation in women. Results of the study show that stronger social support networks and policies focusing on the elderly are needed in order to reduce elderly suicide in Korea.

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