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Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 16, No. 9, 1207-1216 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732306290148

"Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps": A Response to Depression in Older Adults

Julia F. Switzer

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Marsha N. Wittink

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Brearley B. Karsch

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Frances K. Barg

Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Although depression is one of the most common problems among adults in primary care settings, many do not seek or adhere to the treatment regimens suggested by their providers. Understanding the cultural model surrounding depression and its treatment in older adults might provide insight into the development of more effective strategies for addressing the problem in the clinical setting. In this study, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with adults over age 65. Personal responsibility for the management of depression emerged as a pervasive approach to dealing with depression. Older adults used orientational and movement metaphors to describe the process of moving out of depression. They viewed initiation and follow-through of this process as the sole responsibility of the depressed individual. This attitude might be rooted in the cultural experiences of this particular cohort of older adults and has implications for their use of physical and mental health services for depression.

Key Words: depression • aged • cultural models


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