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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1996

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Kay Foland

Keywords

mental health of older women, psychology of older women, mental health of Dakota women, psychology of Dakota women, quality of life

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to determine if a relationship existed between mental health, life satisfaction and attachment in a group of elderly, urban Lakota women. Factors that influenced this group in maintaining attachment relationships were also examined.
The conceptual model of Systems In Change, developed by Riehl and Roy (1980) was chosen for this study. This model assesses natural occurring phenomena and relationships among an individuals internal and external environment.
Instruments which measure mental health, life satisfaction and attachment were filled out by a convenient sample of 30 Northern Plains community dwellers. Descriptive data were reported using frequencies and percentage when possible. Finding indicated no correlation exists among the concepts in this group of elderly. Urban Lakota women. The mean scores of the three instruments utilized indicate healthy behaviors related to these concepts and scores were comparable to Euro-American women of the same area of residence.
This study will add to the limited body of research that exists which evaluates psycho-social issues in elderly Native American women. It also supports the South Dakota State University College of Nursing philosophy which incorporates evaluation of an individuals cultural aspects when planning and providing care.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Older women -- Mental health
Older women -- Psychology
Dakota women -- Mental health
Dakota women -- Psychology
Quality of life

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

78

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1996 Katherine Labonte. All rights reserved

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