THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY ON RELIEVING NURSES' AGEISM TOWARD OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Abstract Background Previous research has approved the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in managing some psychological problems. However, no previous has examined its impact on nurses’ death anxiety and ageism. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted on a total of 110 nurses who were randomly assigned to the study groups to test the effectiveness of CBT to reduce nurses’ death anxiety and ageism. The intervention was comprised of multiple training sessions delivered in five modules with the incorporation of several CBT exercises which are guided by the principles of Terror Management Theory. Results Overall, using CBT revealed a significant improvement in nurses’ level of death anxiety and ageism among the intervention group compared to the control group. CBT nurses had lower levels of ageism and death anxiety than those in the control group. Conclusions the use of CBT is very effective in relieving nurses’ death anxiety and ageism. The findings of the study have proved CBT is an innovative and creative psychological intervention that improves nurses’ psychological well-being and relieves stress and anxiety experiences associated with caring for older adults such as death anxiety which is the precursor of ageism. Future studies are recommended to examine the impact of CBT on other types of prejudices, including sexism and racism among nurses.Relevance to clinical practice: These findings could contribute to improved quality of life and healthcare provided to older adults. CBT could be a crucial component of the ongoing training program for gerontological nurses to target their ageism.