Elizabeth E. Chapleski

Structure of a depression measure among American Indian elders: Confirmatory factor analysis of the CES-D scale

This research examines differences in depressive symptomology among urban, rural off-reservation, and reservation-residing American Indians, age 55 years or older, of the eastern Great Lakes region. It analyzes the measurement structure of one commonly used depression scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and tests alternative models for the full sample (N = 277) as well as the three residential strata. Findings show that a 12-item version developed by Liang et al. for use with Mexican Americans provided a superior fit over the original 20-item version. The shortened scale included items more conceptually valid for this American Indian population. Furthermore, tests of invariance revealed that only the 12-item version had similar factor structures and factor loadings across the three residential strata.

American Indian Elders and Depression: Short-and Long-Term Effects of Life Events

This research examines stressful life events as predictors of psychological problems among a population of older American Indians of the Great Lakes region. It assumes that meaning attached to these events is not culture-free. The data used are from a longitudinal study of 309 American Indians age 55 and older who were interviewed at two time periods in three distinct strata: urban, rural (off-reservation), and reservation. Life events are measured by the presence and perceived severity of 19 discrete events. Hierarchical regression analysis is used to determine the influence of life events on depression after controlling for sociodemographic factors, functional ability, and comorbidity at both Time 1 and 18 to 24 months later at Time 2. Although Time 1 depression accounts for most of the variance at Time 2, comorbiditywas also a significant predictor over time. Whereas life stress has a short-term effect on mental health, the burden of comorbidity increases over time.

Conducting Research with American Indians

Abstract Historically, many researchers whose sole purpose was to conduct research to further their own professional development have exploited Native Americans. Outside of participating as subjects, American Indians were rarely involved in the development of the research and the instrumentation or informed about the results. More recently, research has been conducted with Native Americans who have played a lead role in the research process emphasizing issues that have made important contributions to the American Indian community being studied. The authors utilize case studies and their own applied research experiences to illustrate how researchers, tribal members and organizations have worked together in the applied research process. In working with Native Americans, research takes on special importance emphasizing different values. Practical suggestions range from American Indian communities stimulating their own research agendas to involving community members in the interpretation of data to drive a more complete and accurate analysis and as a useful method for educating the community.

Everyday Spirituality in Central City Elders

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between certain bio-psycho-social factors, private religious practices, and organizational religiousness with everyday spirituality in a Needs Assessment using a random telephone sample of 604 Detroit central city elders age 60 or older. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being African-American, female, having better mental health, reading the Bible, watching and listening to religious programs, and frequently attending religious services were significantly and positively associated with higher scores on Everyday Spirituality, while age, education, and physical health were not significantly associated. Findings indicate that religious and spiritual expressions are important to inner city elders, and that there are distinct differences between concepts.

Otherwise Destined for Eloise: Dread, Contentment, and the Public Alternative to Private ‘Relief’ in Old Age

The horror of the poorhouse “cast a wide shadow” in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Almost everyone was afraid of ending his or her life in an institution that was ostensibly designed for public relief, but which occasioned fear since colonial times, never more so than in the beginning of the Great Depression. We build a case that the specter of the Wayne County, Michigan poorhouse, popularly known as “Eloise,” influenced Luella Hannan Memorial Home (LHMH) administrative decisions and the life courses of its aged applicants and clients, primarily women, in a number of crucial ways that relate to broader national issues concerning aging.