Effectiveness of a Positive Psychology-based and Character Strengths-integrated Activity Program on Depression, Vitality, Life Satisfaction in Elderly Living Alone in Rural Areas

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders living alone in rural areas, and then to examine the effectiveness of the program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design with a nonequivalent control group was used. The participants included 59 elders in total, of whom 30 were assigned to the experimental group and 29 to the control group. positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders consists of sixty-minute sessions held twice per week during 6 weeks, hence 12 sessions in total. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in depression, vitality and life satisfaction (all p<.001). CONCLUSION: The positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders living alone in rural areas is effective in that it decreased the degree of depression and increased the vitality and life satisfaction in the participants.