A Comparative Study on Ego Integrity, Rejection Sensitivity and Gratitude among at Home and Institutionalized Older Adults

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the relationship between ego integrity, rejection sensitivity and gratitude among at home and institutionalized older adults. The study sample includes 150 older adults of age 65-89 years of age. It was hypothesized that there is a relationship between ego integrity, rejection sensitivity and gratitude among study variables. Secondly it was hypothesized that there will be a significant difference among institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults on the variables of ego integrity, rejection sensitivity and gratitude. Lastly it was hypothesized that demographic variables (Gender, qualification, birth order, socioeconomic status, physical disability and mental illness) vary significantly among study variables (Ego integrity, Rejection sensitivity and Gratitude). Ego integrity was assessed by Brief Generativity and Ego Integrity Questionnaire developed by Vuksanovic et al. (2015). Rejection Sensitivity was measured by Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Adult version (ARSQ) developed by Berenson et al. (2009). Gratitude was measured by the Gratitude Questionnaire (McCullough et al., 2002). The results showed that there is a significant positive correlation between ego integrity and gratitude (r= .84, p<.01) and they have significant negative correlation with rejection sensitivity as for ego integrity (r= -.61, p<.01) and for gratitude (r= -.76, p<.01). Results also showed that there is no difference in ego integrity among at home and institutionalized older adults while there is a significant difference in rejection sensitivity and gratitude between both the groups. The level of Rejection Sensitivity is higher in those who are living in old homes or institutions M= 19.0 and SD= 8.08 than the one who are living at home M= 10.3 and SD= 3.77. Similarly level of gratitude is higher in those who are living at home M=31.6 and SD=6 as compared to the ones who are living in old homes or institutions M=16.4 and SD=7.48. It was also found that there were significant differences in demographic variables across study variables. Findings were consistent with the hypotheses generated for the current study