Original scientific paper

SPIRITUAL FACTOR AS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF LIFE SATISFACTION IN OLD AGE

Boris Miha Kaučič ; Alma Mater Europaea – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
Bojana Filej ; Alma Mater Europaea – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
Barbara Toplak Perović ; Alma Mater Europaea – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
Marija Ovsenik ; Alma Mater Europaea – ECM, Maribor, Slovenia

Abstract

This article focuses on the question of the influence of the spiritual factor on life satisfaction. Spiritual factor includes two indexes - self-esteem and self image as well as spirituality. Both include more variables. We have studied self-esteem with Rosenberg standardized questionnaire, self image and spirituality were studied by evaluating variables (feelings of inferiority, the adoption of the external appearance, the meaning of life, meditation, prayer) and satisfaction with life with »Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)«. The survey was based on a quantitative methodology and on a non-experimental method. The sample size was determined based on the proportional stratification according to the size of population 65 years and over according to the data of Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia for 2012. The study involved 1,064 older people aged 65+ living at home and in social welfare institutions. We received 656 correctly completed questionnaires, representing 61.6% of the study population (home: 380 - 57.9%; social welfare institution: 276 - 42.1%). For the analysis of causal effects, we used advanced statistical methods (propensity score methods). We have found out that the index of self-esteem and self image as well as spirituality is strongly associated with life satisfaction as the highest average value of a multiple R-square of the spiritual factor was R² = 0.37. Spiritual factor is therefore an important element of satisfaction with life in old age, because it allows the old person to strike a balance for peaceful life.

Keywords

life satisfaction; old age; spiritual factor

Hrčak ID:

192053

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/192053

Publication date:

31.12.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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