The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how spirituality and religion could serve as a protective factor for depressed elderly (65 and older) who are victims of abuse. The review was carried out using scientific articles found through searches of various scientific databases with no limitation date.

Results found no studies which investigated that relationship across developed countries and especially not in the European context. However, the review gave some indications that spirituality might serve as an asset for depressed elderly. In addition the study found that professionals working with abused elderly should encourage them to be involved in spiritual actions and discussions. Studies on what role spirituality can influence and improve coping strategies across abused elderly are urgently needed in order to improve interventions aimed to curb the ever growing problem of elderly abuse.