Daily-Living Skills and Habits of Older Women with Depression

Abstract

This study used a prospective, within-group comparison design to examine differences in the severity of disability in a community-based sample of 59 older women being treated for depression. The independent variables were three constructs: perceived skills, perceived habits, and demonstrated skills. The dependent variables were functional mobility, personal care, and instrumental activities of daily living. Results indicated that the expression of overall disability differed significantly among the three constructs. Participants' perceptions of their skill independence were greater than their ability to demonstrate independence in those skills, and their demonstrated skills of task independence were greater than their perceived ability habitually to use those skills independently. Objective, performance-based skill measures indicated greater disability than subjective, self-report skill measures, and supported the view that in older adults, depression-related disability reflects a combination of skill and habit deficits. Item analyses revealed five distinct patterns of relationships among perceived skills, perceived habits, and demonstrated skills. Practitioners need to be aware of the constructs being used to measure disability because the severity of disability may depend on the construct being used. Furthermore, the types of interventions appropriate for disability related to each construct or pattern of constructs may vary.