What impact does depression have on the apperception and development of wisdom in older adults?

Objective: Wisdom is a popularly perceived historically to be acquired through aging (Ardelt, 2011). However, empirical research suggests wisdom is more likely to be acquired by learning from challenges experienced in life (Gluck, 2018). This study therefore aimed to explore what effect depression has on self-perceived wisdom. Methods: The study used a cross sectional design with 69 participants recruited to take part in an online survey using Qualtrics. The study is cross sectional design. The first part of the study adopted a cross-sectional, between groups, multivariate parametric research design for assessing depression in wisdom. The second part of the study adopted an individualised scoring survey method (Likert scoring) and will be analysed using non-parametric tests. Participants were grouped into two categories, one group who had previously suffered depression (PREVDEP) and the second group that had never suffered depression (NEVDEP). All participants reported overcoming adversity across their lifetimes. Participants completed an online survey containing both quantitative and qualitative questions. Results: Results show a significant difference between PREVDEP and NEVDEP participants in both reflective and affective sub-components of wisdom. There is a significant difference between PREVDEP and NEVDEP participants in the way in which NEVDEP participants felt they had coped well with traumatic experiences. Conclusion: Depression has an effect on individuals’ ability to perceive themselves as wise, particularly under certain sub-components of wisdom such as the reflect and affective subcomponent of the 3D-WS. It highlights the relevance of post traumatic growth to aid a person to develop wisdom. Finally, further research should be conducted around how wisdom is measured, specifically towards participants with common mental health conditions.