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A pilot trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults residing in long-term care facilities
Davison, Tanya E. Eppingstall, Barbara Runci, Susannah O'Connor daniel.oconnor@acu.edu.au, Daniel W. O'Connor
Davison, Tanya E.
Eppingstall, Barbara
Runci, Susannah
O'Connor
daniel.oconnor@acu.edu.au, Daniel W. O'Connor
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a psychological intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults living in long-term care. Method: Forty one residents aged between 63 and 97 years (M = 85.3 years) participated in this study. Residents were allocated to receive either a 12 session ACT intervention implemented by trainee psychology therapists or a wait-list control group. Measures of depression and anxiety were collected at baseline and 8 week post-intervention, and residents who received the intervention were tracked for three months. A treatment satisfaction questionnaire was administered to residents who received the intervention and a sample of 10 facility staff members. Results: Using an intention to treat approach and controlling for baseline scores, scores on depression measures were significantly lower after the ACT intervention than after the wait-list control. These outcomes were maintained at three-month follow-up. Treatment satisfaction was rated highly by both residents and their care staff. Conclusion: This preliminary trial suggests that ACT shows promise as a therapeutic approach to address symptoms of depression in long-term care.
Keywords
acceptance and commitment therapy, depression, anxiety, long-term care, psychotherapy
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Aging and Mental Health
Book
Volume
21
Issue
7
Page Range
766-773
Article Number
ACU Department
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Relation URI
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Event URL
Open Access Status
License
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Controlled