Correlation of Migration Stress and Psychological Adjustment in Elderly Care Institutions

ZHANG Mingke; ZHAO Fang; LIU Yuan; XU Yan; ZHANG Junmei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-437X.2026.10.006

Abstract：Objective To investigate the status of relocation stress and psychological adjustment among elderly residents in care institutions,and to analyze the relationship between the two,providing a reference for formulating strategies to reduce relocation stress in the elderly.Methods From November 2021 to December 2022,226 elderly individuals from 5 nursing homes in Zhengzhou were conveniently selected as survey participants.Questionnaires including a general information survey,stress response questionnaire,and psychological adjustment scale were administered.Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between relocation stress and psychological adjustment and its influencing factors among institutionalized elderly.Results A total of 235 questionnaires were distributed,and 226 valid questionnaires were returned,with an effective response rate of 96.17％.The average item score for the stress response questionnaire was 117.59±13.83,and the average item score for the psychological adjustment questionnaire was 61.43±4.29,showing a negative correlation between the two(r=-0.885,P＜0.001).Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that education level,frequency of visits from relatives,and health status were influencing factors of relocation stress among the elderly after moving into nursing homes(P＜0.05),collectively explaining 80％of the total variance in relocation stress.Conclusion Relocation stress among elderly residents in care institutions is relatively high and closely related to their level of psychological adjustment.Elderly individuals primarily face challenges in interpersonal relationships and emotional adjustment,with evident relocation stress.Enhancing psychological adjustment can help reduce relocation stress.Care staff should assess and identify those with poor psychological adjustment to help the elderly better adapt and integrate into nursing homes.