A feasibility study of a 6‐week online technology‐assisted compassion training (T‐ACTS) to improve mental health in older adults living in the UK during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic led to serious health implications for older adults who may have already significant comorbidities. In addition to the risk related to COVID‐19, self‐isolation and limited social contact may have led to psychosocial impacts, such as increased boredom, frustration, depression and anxiety. These stressors may have had increased effects on other key health outcomes, including worse general well‐being, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, finding techniques to boost older adults’ ability to manage these stressors is vital for better planning of unsettled events of similar nature.MethodA feasibility study assessing a 6‐week online technology assisted compassion training (T‐ACTS) for older adults (Age 60+ without a diagnosis of dementia, access to internet) living in the UK during the COVID‐19 pandemic. T‐ACTS builds on the Raise Your Resilience intervention by Treichler et al., (2020) [1] with weekly one‐to‐one online sessions by research therapists on empathy, self‐compassion, social connections, acts of kindness, gratitude, self‐efficacy, and positive ageing. Key activities included relaxation, gratitude journaling, and positive social engagement. The data reported on feasibility, demographics and mental health using the Patient Health Questionnaire at pre‐ and post‐intervention. McNemar test reported the difference in depression pre‐and post‐intervention.ResultForty‐seven participants gave consent, 35 participants entered the intervention, 25 participants (100% Caucasians, 64% females with age 76/5.74 mean/SD) completed the 6 week intervention; and 10 participants withdrew at different timepoints. Reasons for withdrawals included eligibility (1), IT difficulties (1), intervention content (1), engagement (5) and availability (2). There was a significant difference in levels of depression; pre and post intervention (p = 0.014). Around 70% of the participants found the programme enjoyful very‐much so; 30% some‐what enjoyful. Forty‐three percent found the intervention very‐much useful for setting personal goals, with 57% some‐what useful. Activities that were useful included relaxation exercises, gratitude journaling and acts of kindness.ConclusionThe T‐ACTS intervention demonstrates feasibility of pragmatic online interventions to improve mental health in older adults, suggesting high potential for further evaluation in a larger sample and implementation for older adults. Future studies are warranted for assessing benefits to other key health outcomes such anxiety and general wellbeing.