Browsing by Author "Miclette, Isabelle"
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- ItemThe past in the present : a mixed methods evaluation of a group intervention for loneliness and well-being among older people : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand(Massey University, 2011) Miclette, IsabelleRecent research has shown loneliness in old age to be a major risk factor for a variety of deleterious psychological and physiological outcomes, including cognitive decline, progression of Alzheimer‟s disease, increased blood pressure, depression, and mortality. However, practical interventions which meet reasonable standards in terms of feasibility and outcome are limited. The main purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the usefulness of a brief instrumental reminiscence intervention aimed at preventing and alleviating loneliness to increase the well-being of older people. A mixed methods design allowed the examination of both the impact and process of the intervention, as experienced by four groups of older people living in a retirement facility in New Zealand (N = 17; mean age = 84 years). Loneliness and well-being were assessed over five measurement points with the short form of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, and Affectometer 2, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance, content analysis, and thematic analysis were employed to investigate the participants‟ experience of the intervention. Results showed a high level of satisfaction with the intervention, and provided preliminary evidence for its usefulness over a time period of two months. Loneliness was conceptualised by participants as a normal challenge of life which can be actively addressed by connecting with others in meaningful ways. Learning for participants was located primarily in their experience of the intervention, namely from relationships developed within the groups themselves. This study offers support for the theory on social and emotional loneliness, substantiates the acceptability and usefulness of practical group interventions to enhance well-being in later life, and highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to the needs and experiences of older people. In light of the emphasis study participants placed on group therapeutic factors as their primary source of learning about coping with loneliness, future interventions could focus on the role of feedback and social comparison in promoting connectedness amongst older people.