The effectiveness of solution-focused therapy on loneliness and self-care behaviors in the elderly

Abstract

The present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of solution-focused therapy on feelings of loneliness and self-care behaviors among the elderly recipients of Imam Khomeini (R.A.) Relief Committee. This research employed a semi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population comprised all elderly beneficiaries under the coverage of Imam Khomeini (R.A.) Relief Committee in Tabriz in 1403. A sample of 60 individuals was randomly assigned to experimental (30) and control (30) groups using targeted sampling. Data collection instruments included the Standardized Self-Care Scale for the Elderly (Younesi Brojeni et al., 2019) and the Loneliness Scale (DeTommaso et al., 2004). The collected data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA. The results indicated that after controlling for pretest effects, solution-focused therapy significantly reduced feelings of loneliness and enhanced self-care behaviors among the elderly in the experimental group (p < 0.01). In other words, this intervention, by focusing on clients' strengths and solutions, improved psychological interactions and personal care among the elderly. Based on the research findings, solution-focused therapy, due to its short-term nature and focus on individual resources, is an effective approach for improving the psychological status and health behaviors of the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended that counselors and social workers utilize this therapeutic protocol to reduce social isolation and improve health indicators among the elderly.