Abstract
This study evaluated the effects and impact of a multicomponent positive psychology program for health promotion of retirees. A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was used, and the baseline and end of intervention evaluations were analyzed. The intervention consisted of six weekly group sessions for 2 h each. Eighty-eight retirees (females = 72) aged 49–86 (M = 65.66, SD = 7.53) from South Brazil took part in the study, 54 (females = 48) in the experimental group (M = 66.37 years old, SD = 7.42), and 34 (females = 24) waitlist controls (M = 64.53 years old, SD = 7.68). The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brazilian version of the scales: Interpersonal Reactivity Index; 12-item General Health Questionnaire; Life Orientation Test-Revised;14-item Perceived Stress Scale; Resilience Scale; and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mixed factorial ANOVA models revealed significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress levels, whereas improvement in life satisfaction and resilience was detected in the experimental group at the end of the program. No main effect was found for empathy and optimism. Interaction effects yielded significant difference between groups for measures of empathy, optimism, depression, and anxiety symptoms after the program. There was no significant interaction effect for the other outcome variables. The usefulness and applicability of this model of intervention to aid future health practices and policies are discussed. Contextual issues in the fields of health promotion and disease prevention in Brazil are also problematized.
Highlights
One of the greatest public health achievements in the last century is that of global population longevity
Results from chi-square test indicated that there was no statistically significant difference (p > .05) between groups (CG vs experimental group (EG)) for gender, educational background, retirement type, participation in any sort of preparing for retirement programs (PRPs), post-retirement work, current health statues, if participants were carers of somebody, perceived social support, and diagnostic of psychopathology
A higher percentage of individuals reported to have a partner in the control group (CG) (67.6%) when compared to those in the experimental condition (39.4%), and this difference was significant (p = .012)
Summary
One of the greatest public health achievements in the last century is that of global population longevity. This entails a process of demographic transition with changes in mortality and fertility rates (United Nations, 2017). Chronic health conditions and multi-morbidities are usually more prevalent as individuals reach advanced ages (WHO, 2015). All these factors put together may pose additional threats to individuals’ health and well-being and to their families and social relations, once chronic conditions tend to result in negative psychological outcomes and poorer health (Sutipan, Intarakamhang, & Macaskill, 2016)
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