Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore older adults’ views and perceptions of psychotherapy in Cyprus. A total of 25 older adults, aged between 65–89, participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: Familiar term/Unfamiliar process; existential crises during this stage; and the issue of stigma in psychotherapy. Participants indicated a basic understanding of what psychotherapy entails, but did not associate psychotherapy with serious mental illness. Participants identified a number of existential issues that are potentially major life stressors for an elderly person and referred to the historical stigma that has an impact on their own perceptions about psychotherapy. However, participants seemed to view their ability to overcome psychological difficulties on their own as a proof of personal strength. Psychologists and other health professionals also need to be mindful of how they describe psychological concepts and treatment, as older adults may not understand what they are being told or may be afraid of what treatment involves based on historical context. This study highlights the importance of using strategies that may have the potential to empower this population in order to proactively attend to their mental health, including community-based education and national mental health campaigns.
Highlights
The percentage of the population in Cyprus over the age of 65 was 13.9 per cent last year while3.1 per cent were over the age of 80, figures that will rise to 25.2 per cent and 10.8 per cent, respectively, by 2080
Most participants were familiar with the term “psychotherapy” and recognized the basic processes involved in psychotherapy
Three general themes emerged as a result of the thematic analysis, (a) Familiar term/unfamiliar process; (b) existential crises during this stage; and (c) the issue of stigma
Summary
The percentage of the population in Cyprus over the age of 65 was 13.9 per cent last year while3.1 per cent were over the age of 80, figures that will rise to 25.2 per cent and 10.8 per cent, respectively, by 2080. The percentage of the population in Cyprus over the age of 65 was 13.9 per cent last year while. Cypriot women who reach the age of 65 can expect to live another 21.6 years on average while. Cypriot men will live another 18.6 years on average once they reach that age [1]. In Cyprus there are no detailed data on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the elderly. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, depression is the most common mental health problem in this age group with estimated prevalence rates of 22% for men and 28% for women aged 65 or over and 40% of older people in care homes. Anxiety disorders affect 1 in 20 older people. Elderly patients present to services with psychosis due to bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder [2]
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