Volume 22, Issue 3 (10-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(3): 472-480 |
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Research code: A-10-1001-2
Ethics code: IR.IAU.RASHT.REC.1401.046
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Safarinia Z, Javid F, Abbasian F, Mirpour Z A. Investigation of Spiritual Well-Being, Perceived Stress, and Alexithymia in Elderly Individuals with and Without Grandchild Care Experience in Rasht, Iran. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (3) :472-480
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-2002-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-2002-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
2- Department of Midwifery and Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
3- PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
4- PhD, Department of Psychology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
2- Department of Midwifery and Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
3- PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
4- PhD, Department of Psychology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
Abstract: (5 Views)
Background: Aging is a natural stage of human life characterized by a decline in physical and mental abilities. Accepting new roles, such as caring for grandchildren, can serve as a replacement for previous roles and may help alleviate stress and emotional suppression associated with entering this new phase of life. Given the increasing prevalence of aging, the present study aimed to investigate spiritual health, perceived stress, and emotional alexithymia in elderly individuals with and without experience caring for grandchildren in Rasht.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study involved 134 older adults affiliated with the Retirement Center of the Education Department in Rasht, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Paloutzian and Ellison Spiritual Well-being Scale, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level set at P < 0.05.
Findings: The findings indicated significant differences in spiritual well-being, perceived stress, and alexithymia between caregivers and non-caregivers (P < 0.01). Specifically, significant differences were found between the two groups in spiritual well-being (P = 0.01) and perceived stress (P = 0.01). Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the level of alexithymia (P = 0.47).
Conclusion: Grandchild care benefits the spiritual well-being and reduces perceived stress in older adults, helping to alleviate emotional problems. When undertaken in a limited and manageable way, this caregiving experience can enhance the vibrancy and emotional depth of both older adults and children.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study involved 134 older adults affiliated with the Retirement Center of the Education Department in Rasht, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Paloutzian and Ellison Spiritual Well-being Scale, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level set at P < 0.05.
Findings: The findings indicated significant differences in spiritual well-being, perceived stress, and alexithymia between caregivers and non-caregivers (P < 0.01). Specifically, significant differences were found between the two groups in spiritual well-being (P = 0.01) and perceived stress (P = 0.01). Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the level of alexithymia (P = 0.47).
Conclusion: Grandchild care benefits the spiritual well-being and reduces perceived stress in older adults, helping to alleviate emotional problems. When undertaken in a limited and manageable way, this caregiving experience can enhance the vibrancy and emotional depth of both older adults and children.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
health Psychology
Received: 2025/02/9 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2026/10/7
Received: 2025/02/9 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2026/10/7
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