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Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

5-1998

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Gerontology: M.S.

Department

Program in Gerontology

College

School of Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Rona Karasik

Second Advisor

Pamela Mittelfehldt

Third Advisor

Gary Whitford

Keywords and Subject Headings

Life Satisfaction, Chronic Illness, Women Religious

Abstract

The current study sought to explore the relationship between having a chronic illness and subjective reports of life satisfaction among one relatively understudied group, aging Women Religious. Ninety Women Religious between the ages of 60 and 75 years formed the sample. Eighty-one percent had a chronic illness. However, most {91%) listed themselves in good or excellent health.

A survey was sent to the participants in the mail to gather demographic and life satisfaction data. Fifty-seven participants were also presented with a global life satisfaction question and asked to list the five factors they felt had the greatest influence on their life satisfaction.

Several findings emerged. A positive correlation was discovered between perceived health and life satisfaction with better health corresponding with greater satisfaction. While the correlation was not strong, it was statistically significant. The presence of a greater number of chronic illnesses also correlated weakly with lower life satisfaction. The strongest effect discovered, however, was that of education on life satisfaction with satisfaction tending to increase as level of education increased.

Of the Sisters (N = 56) who responded to the global life satisfaction question, 96% described themselves as "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their lives. These Sisters listed several factors as influencing their life satisfaction: family and friends, Faith and religious practice, Religious Life itself, personal characteristics, ministry or work, education and enrichment opportunities, and health.

The study revealed aging Woman Religious as quite satisfied with their lives. The presence of chronic illness and lower health status, however, did appear to diminish life satisfaction in this population.

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