A program of positive intervention in the elderly: memories, gratitude and forgiveness

Aging Ment Health. 2014 May;18(4):463-70. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2013.856858. Epub 2013 Nov 14.

Abstract

Objective: The main goal of this study has been to increase the quality of life in people of over 60 years through a positive psychology intervention.

Method: We employed a program which consists of training based on autobiographical memory, forgiveness and gratitude. The sample consisted of 46 participants aged 60-93 years. State and trait anxiety, depression, general memory, specific memories, life satisfaction and subjective happiness were measured.

Results: The results revealed that participants who followed the program (experimental group) showed a significant decrease in state anxiety and depression as well as an increase in specific memories, life satisfaction and subjective happiness, compared with the placebo group.

Conclusion: Our program offers promising results and provides new evidence for the effectiveness of positive interventions in the field of psychogerontology, helping increase subjective well-being and quality of life in older adults by focusing interventions on the enhancement of personal and social resources for being happy.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • Forgiveness / physiology
  • Happiness*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Quality of Life / psychology