Search

The article focuses on a study which indicates the influence of institutionalization upon personal adjustment in old age. It investigated the factors affecting personal adjustment of aged persons living in institutions as compared with aged persons living outside of institutions. Findings of the study revealed that institutionalized old people are characterized by larger proportion of females, old maids, and widows; and have higher formal schooling than the average. Old people spend much time in reading, have many hobbies, enjoy good health and feel a sense of security. All these factors are directly effected by institutionalization. They are deeply religious. This factor may be effected by selection of sample since all subjects in present study live in Protestant church homes, and were given priority for admittance because of their affiliation with the Protestant church. They have unfavorable family relationships, and have a resigned conviction that they are through with their career. This may be the chief reason for their request that the institution take care of them.

Using nine criteria of adjustment on 116 elderly women living in large institutions, Mr. Ju-Shu Pan compares the group with a larger noninstitutionalized group investigated by Dr. Cavan of the social science research council and on the basis of statistical evaluation concludes that the adjustment of the institutionalized person on the whole is less satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]