Aging & Mental Health ( IF 2.8 ) Pub Date : 2021-06-27 , DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1935457 Shasha Li 1 , Yanyan Dai 2 , Yuqiu Zhou 3 , Jiayuan Zhang 3 , Chiteng Zhou 1
ABSTRACT
Objectives
This study aimed to explore the efficacy of group reminiscence therapy based on Chinese traditional festival activities (CTFA-GRT) to mediate the loneliness and perceived stress of older adults living alone in rural China. The results can provide a scientific foundation for improving psychological health.
Method
A randomized controlled trial of 64 (aged 65.70 ± 3.69 years) Chinese rural older adults living alone was conducted. They were randomly divided into either an eight-month intervention group or a control group. The perceived stress scale (PSS) and the UCLA loneliness scale (UCLA-LS) evaluated the perceived stress and loneliness of the two groups at three different times. A repeated-measures analysis of variance model was used to compare each outcome measure of the two groups.
Results
The CTFA-GRT yielded a benefit for the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in the intervention group. Combined with a simple effects test, the PSS and UCLA-LS of those in the intervention groups significantly decreased at eight months after the baseline (F PSS = 23.540, F UCLA-LS = 40.159; all P < 0.01). In addition, the sustainable effect of this program lasted three months after the intervention (F PSS = 65.756, F UCLA-LS = 60.983; all P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The CTFA-GRT significantly decreased the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in China.