The relationship between spirituality and depression in the elderly at nursing home in Jember

Purpose The inability of the elderly to adapt affects their capacity to accept changes in themselves, which can trigger depression. Depression in the elderly can be addressed through spirituality, which functions as a coping mechanism. This study aims to analyze the relationship between spirituality and depression in the elderly at nursing home in Jember. Design/methodology/approach Using cross-sectional correlation analysis. The sample comprised 73 respondents selected through total sampling according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The instruments used in this study were the daily spiritual experience scale (DSES) and the geriatric depression scale (GDS) questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and used Pearson product moment for checking the correlation. Findings Revealing that the majority of the elderly at nursing home in Jember had a high level of spirituality (63%) and a mild level of depression (68.5%). Based on the Pearson product-moment correlation test, the p-value was 0.029 and the r-value was −0.256, indicating there is correlation between spirituality and depression in the elderly at nursing home in Jember with negative correlation that is higher level spirituality in the elderly, the lower possibility of elderly experiencing depression. Originality/value It can be concluded that spirituality plays an important role in addressing depression in the elderly. Spiritual beliefs function as a coping mechanism to manage depression, and good spiritual well-being minimizes the symptoms of depression in the elderly.