Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques in Reducing Depression among Elderly Residents in Assisted Care: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

The final period of life, old age is marked by a number of physical and psychological changes in individuals, such as depression. These alterations frequently define how elderly individuals adjust socially and personally. Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of relaxation therapy in managing depression among elderly individuals residing in assisted care facilities. Study design: A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test and post-test control group design was conducted. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Psychology, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) from assisted care facilities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Sample and method:  Forty participants (N=40) aged 65 and above were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which received relaxation therapy (Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing), or a waitlist control group. The intervention was administered for 60 minutes each morning, twice a week, over four weeks. Psychological and well-being assessments were conducted using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Paired sample t-tests and independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare pre-test and post-test scores within and between groups. Results and conclusion: The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in depression (pre-test M = 8.85, SD = 1.182; post-test M = 7.55, SD = 1.669) in the experimental group, with no significant shift in the control group. These results underscore the effectiveness of relaxation therapy in managing depression among elderly individuals in institutionalized care. Integrating relaxation therapy into geriatric healthcare programs may serve as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance mental health and quality of life in this population.