A Qualitative Research on Problem-Solving Therapy Program Process to Manage Depression among the Elderly Living Alone

Abstract

This study aims to implement the problem-solving therapy (PST) for the depressed elderly living alone as a suicidal high-risk group and suggest the ways to perform the PST program effectively and efficiently. For this purpose, 7 social workers performed PST to 16 depressed elderly living alone in Chuncheon, and their intervention records were qualitatively analyzed. Based on the participant’s attitude and response as well as difficulties in progress, the followings were suggested: (1) to make the participants understood the difference between PST and general counseling, to confirm the appropriateness of the subject by evaluating their cognitive function level, to become proficient in the knowledge of aging and the aged as well as PST manuals, to update PST manuals and simplify worksheets, and to develop the curriculum that allows for sufficient learning about problem-solving process. Therefore, this study suggests how social workers in welfare agencies can conduct PST for the aged more efficiently.