Elliot M Friedman1, Chiara Ruini2, Renee Foy3, LaVerne Jaros3, Hellen Sampson3, Carol D Ryff4. 1. a Department of Human Development and Family Studies , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA. 2. b Department of Psychology , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy. 3. c Aging and Disability Resource Center of Kenosha County , WI , USA. 4. d Institute on Aging and Department of Psychology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Aging is often characterized by declines in physical and mental health and increased risk for depression and social isolation. A protective factor that has been found to effectively moderate these phenomena is psychological well-being. The aim of his study was to pilot test a novel group intervention (Lighten UP! program) for the promotion of psychological well-being in older adults living in the community. METHODS:Lighten UP! is an eight-week program consisting of 90-minute group session designed to teach participants to identify and savor positive experiences across multiple domains of eudaimonic well-being. It was delivered to a sample of 103 men and women aged 60 or over, that were assessed pre- and post-intervention with Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB), Life Satisfaction scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Symptom Questionnaire, and items measuring sleep complaints and social well-being. RESULTS: At the end of the eight weeks, participants reported significantly increased PWB, life satisfaction, and social well-being along with lower levels of depression and fewer physical symptoms and sleep complaints. These gains were particularly robust for individuals with lower pre-program levels of PWB. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot investigation suggests the feasibility of a short group program for enhancing well-being in older adults. Future controlled investigations with long-term follow-up assessment are needed to confirm the effectiveness and sustained benefits of the Lighten UP!
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: Aging is often characterized by declines in physical and mental health and increased risk for depression and social isolation. A protective factor that has been found to effectively moderate these phenomena is psychological well-being. The aim of his study was to pilot test a novel group intervention (Lighten UP! program) for the promotion of psychological well-being in older adults living in the community. METHODS: Lighten UP! is an eight-week program consisting of 90-minute group session designed to teach participants to identify and savor positive experiences across multiple domains of eudaimonic well-being. It was delivered to a sample of 103 men and women aged 60 or over, that were assessed pre- and post-intervention with Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB), Life Satisfaction scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Symptom Questionnaire, and items measuring sleep complaints and social well-being. RESULTS: At the end of the eight weeks, participants reported significantly increased PWB, life satisfaction, and social well-being along with lower levels of depression and fewer physical symptoms and sleep complaints. These gains were particularly robust for individuals with lower pre-program levels of PWB. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot investigation suggests the feasibility of a short group program for enhancing well-being in older adults. Future controlled investigations with long-term follow-up assessment are needed to confirm the effectiveness and sustained benefits of the Lighten UP!
Entities:
Keywords:
depression; group intervention; positive aging; positive psychotherapy; psychological well-being
Authors: Laura D Kubzansky; Jeff C Huffman; Julia K Boehm; Rosalba Hernandez; Eric S Kim; Hayami K Koga; Emily H Feig; Donald M Lloyd-Jones; Martin E P Seligman; Darwin R Labarthe Journal: J Am Coll Cardiol Date: 2018-09-18 Impact factor: 24.094
Authors: Robert S Wilson; Ana W Capuano; Bryan D James; Priscilla Amofa; Zoe Arvanitakis; Raj Shah; David A Bennett; Patricia A Boyle Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2017-06-30 Impact factor: 4.105