The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT( on Depression, Death Anxiety and Life Expectancy in Elderly Women
R. K. Pirkalani, Leyly Ramezan Saatchi, Mahsa Majd
Journal of Gerontology January 1, 2019 DOI: 10.29252/joge.3.2.11 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 10-session group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program reduced depression and death anxiety and increased life expectancy in elderly women in Tehran. Thirty women from three districts were randomly assigned to MBCT or a control group. Compared with controls, the MBCT group showed significantly lower depression and death anxiety scores and higher life expectancy scores after treatment.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Elderly women in the 3rd, 7th and 1st districts of Tehran referring to health centers |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy |
| Duration | 10 sessions |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | MBCT significantly reduced depression and death anxiety and increased life expectancy in elderly women compared with a control group. |
Abstract
Introduction: The world's population is rapidly aging. Mental health is vital in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on Depression, Death Anxiety and Life Expectancy in the Elderly. Method: This study is an experimental research with pre and post-test approach. The statistical population was all elderly women in the 3rd, 7th and 1st districts of Tehran referring to health centers. All participants (30 people) that were selected through Random Stratified Sampling, completed Miller's Life Expectancy, Depression in the elderly and Templar death anxiety. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of grouped Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical analysis of variance (Mixed Model ANOVA) analysis. Results: Findings showed that there is a significant difference between the scores of life expectancy (F (1,22) = 35/34, P=0/000), depression (F (1,22) = 39/55, P = 0/000), and death anxiety (F (1,22) = 4/66, P = 0/042) in both pre-test and post-test levels according to the experimental and control groups. As a result, treatment has been effective in the experimental group. Conclusion: Old age is one of the important factors of disability, the use of short-term and low-cost treatment methods to increase the performance of the elderly is essential and important. With regard to the results of the research, group-based mind-awareness can be a good option.