Affiliations: University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA | Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
Note: [] Address for correspondence: James Carifio, O'Leary Library 527,
University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854-5104,
USA. Tel.: +1 978 934 4609; Fax: +1 978 934 3005; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Belief in a just world (BJW) modulates people's abilities
to cope with anxiety, fear, and life transitions and thus depression and its
debilitating effects. Little is known about how Belief in a just world
modulates these coping abilities in elderly nursing home residents or their
levels of depression either. Participants: A sample of 354 cognitively able elderly nursing home
residents in Lebanon was selected for the study. Methods: This study, therefore, explored elderly belief in a just
world (BJW-S) by gender and length of time in elderly homes in its relation to
levels of depression as measured by the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS)
and the Mini-Mental State Examination screening instrument for older adults.
Results: The findings showed no main significant effects for gender
or length-of-stay on level of depression. The chief significant difference
found was for scores on the belief in a just world scale and levels of
depression. Those who had high scores on belief in a just world scored low on
depression, and vice-versa. Conclusions: Therefore, a strong belief in a just world seemed to
act as a preventative or coping mechanism against depression from initial
transition forward for elderly nursing home residents.
Keywords: Prevention mechanisms, life transitions, Lebanese, Mini Mental State Examination
