The Efficacy of Group Counseling by Using Gestalt Techniques on Morale and Loneliness of Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

Considering the growing elderly population and their psychological problems, it seems that providing counseling and psychological interventions for this group, who live in nursing homes is a vital need. This study aimed at determining-the efficacy of group counseling by using gestalt techniques on morale and loneliness of elderly, who live in nursing homes.
This was a semi-experimental study with pre-posttest design and control group. Samples consisted of all elderly females living in nursing homes of Tehran. According to the inclusion/ exclusion criteria and Abbreviated Mental test, 28 individuals, who were living in Kahrizak nursing home, were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to 2 equal groups. However, during the intervention, there were some drop out and finally the number of samples was reduced to n = 20 samples, 10 samples in each group. Loneliness Scale and Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale was administered to both groups. Gestalt therapy sessions for the Experimental group were administered in 10 sessions (every session 90 minutes) for 6 weeks. The post-test data was collected after the last session and analyzed using MANCOVA.
Comparing post test results in loneliness and morale total scores in experimental and control groups and controlling pre-test effect, showed significant differences in the 2 groups (F1, 15 = 135.479, P Results showed that group counseling using Gestalt techniques may reduce loneliness and improve morale state in elders who live in nursing home. Using this technique is suggested as a way to improve the mental health of elders. Keywords: Gestalt therapy; Loneliness; Morale; Elders; Nursing home.