Development and evaluation of the positive psychology intervention for older adults

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Development and evaluation of the positive psychology intervention for older adults

Although research suggests that positive psychology intervention can enhance subjective well-being and reduce depression its effectiveness on older adults remains largely unknown. Therefore the present study aimed to develop and evaluate a custom-tailored positive psychology intervention program for older adults. The program offered nine-week group sessions to 74 older people recruited from district community centers and nursing homes in Hong Kong. The intervention program covers eight themes including optimism gratitude savoring happiness curiosity courage altruism and meaning of life. The participants consisted mostly of females aged between 63 and 105 years. One-group pre-test/post-test design was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on depression life satisfaction gratitude and happiness. Results revealed that the intervention reduced the number of depressive symptoms and increased the levels of life satisfaction gratitude and happiness. Effectiveness of the intervention is discussed in relation to self-awareness education self-reinforcement and sensitivity to age and culture.

Citation: 
The Journal of Positive Psychology , 2014 Vol. 9, No. 3, 187 – 197

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