Effectiveness of Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Depression among the Mournful Elderly

Abstract

Introduction and purpose: is one of the most painful experiences of human after linking emotions.. Losing friends and peers along withsenility and proximity to the last years of life causes intensification of mental distress and depression of the elderly. The present research was carried out aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression among the mournful elderly. Material and Methods: The current study is a semi-experimental research using posttest-pretest plan with control group. The statistical population of the research included the mournful elderly living in the nursing homes of Ardebil City in 2014. 30 mournful old adults were selected using the available sampling technique. Becke depression questionnaire (scale) was applied as pretest-posttest in the research and cognitive-behavioral intervention was implimented on the examinee groups in 8 sessions. The data were analyzed using SPSS16 and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical method. Findings: Analysis of Covariance showed that the means numbers at post test in the intervention group(47/33), had significant decreases in depression, compared with control group(72/20) (P less-than 0.01, F:11/39). but means of depression numbers at pertest in the intervention group was not significant, compared with control group (P less-than 0.05, F:0/548). Conclusion: According to the results of this research, group cognitive-behavioral therapy leads to reduction of depression of the elderly via helping them to catharsis of the emotions, giving homework and repel and suspend the intrusive thoughts. so groupcognitive-behavioral therapy has been effective on the depression of the elderly.