THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING PROGRAM IN REDUCING THE SYMPTOMS OF SOME MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG THE ELDERLY IN THE CITY OF JERICHO

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have indicated an increase in the number of the elderly group in recent times. The elderly are experiencing many new changes and challenges, such as biological frailty, weak family and social relationships, thinking patterns, cognitive distortions, and symptoms of psychological disorders. These may lead to psychological trauma in the elderly or an increase in symptoms of psychological disorders. Therefore, attention to elderly care is extremely important. It is necessary to direct psychologists towards the elderly group to carry out scientific and practical research aimed at developing appropriate and effective treatment programs for the elderly. Aim: The primary objective of this study is to reduce the symptoms of some psychological disorders in the elderly, of the scale, the DASS-21 scale aims to assess the core symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in both clinical and non-clinical populations, providing guidance for self-monitoring. Study method: Data were collected using the DASS 21 scale to assess prevalent disorders, namely depression, anxiety, and stress. The study implemented cognitive-behavioral therapy theory, incorporating techniques and treatment models within the counseling program to reduce symptoms. The study population consisted of 56 elderly people in (Bait Al agdad) in Palestine, whose ages ranged from 60 years and above. The study also limited the research Sample: 24 elderly participants were selected and divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, each consisting of 12 individuals. Elderly participants with significant physical or mental difficulties were excluded. Participants were then grouped according to demographic characteristics, and those with similar psychological disorders—previously diagnosed—were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups, administered the DASS-21 test, and equivalence results appeared before starting the treatment process.

Results: The results of the study showed that there are no statistically significant differences at (p ≤ 0.05) between the mean of scores of pre measurements of the symptoms of some mental disorders among the control group and Experimental, there are statistically differences at (p ≤ 0.05) in the mean of scores of post measurements for the symptoms of some mental disorders between the experimental and control groups, there are statistically significant differences at (p ≤ 0.05) between the mean of scores of pre and post measurements of the symptoms of some mental disorders among the experimental group. The findings indicated that cognitive behavioral therapy contributed to reducing psychological disorder symptoms among the elderly in this study. Moreover, CBT techniques—such as the event model, automatic thought identification, imagery, and relaxation techniques—proved to be more effective in alleviating symptoms than other approaches

Recommendations: Allocate a team in psychological treatment, train workers in institutions concerned with the elderly on how to properly deal with them, and integrate them into outdoor activities. In addition, it is preferable to hold counseling sessions explaining cognitive-behavioral therapy. More scientific studies should also be conducted to understand the new life requirements of the elderly.