Promoting self-transcendence and well-being in community-dwelling older adults: A pilot study of a psychoeducational intervention.

Self-transcendence changes how older adults perceive themselves, their relationships with others, the material world, and the metaphysical or spiritual dimension. It is associated with multiple indicators of well-being. The purpose of this pilot study (N = 20) was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention to increase self-transcendence and well-being in older adults. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. All variables trended in the directions hypothesized. Self-transcendence increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group but not significantly. The group × time interaction for life satisfaction was significant (z = 2.89, p = .004). This feasibility study supports further investigation to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in a larger sample.

All the pain along with all the joy: spiritual resilience in lesbian and gay Christians.

Resilience among lesbian and gay (LG) Christians has received limited attention. We present results from a qualitative study of 27 LG Christians, for whom religion had high salience. The study explored the process of integrating sexual orientation with spirituality. Moving from recognition of incongruence between faith and sexual orientation to integration was found to be a resilience-building process. Through descriptive and process approaches, we identified three primary pathways individuals used to integrate their faith and sexual orientation: transforming theological meaning; finding a safe-enough congregation; and finding an affirming congregation. Some worked for social justice within congregations as part of the resilience-building process. We discuss important decision points for LG Christians that included critical evaluation of extant and potential support systems, redefining scripture and tradition, and transforming communities. A model for LG Christian Spiritual Resilience is presented.

Assessing the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health Program: An Intervention to Foster Self-Transcendence and Well-Being in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

The late-life developmental process of self-transcendence shapes elders' perspectives on self, others, the nature of this world, and of a dimension beyond the here and now. This qualitative pilot study evaluated the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) Program, a psychoeducational intervention to promote self-transcendence and well-being in community-dwelling women at a senior center. The intervention involved eight weekly group sessions using group processes, mindfulness practices, creative experiences, and independent at-home practice. The findings supported the underlying theory-based structure and content of the intervention and indicated the intervention may empower elders to attend to self-care, develop acceptance, and learn new skills associated with health and well-being, thus merits further study. Based on insights gained from facilitators' and participants' experiences and perceptions, the intervention will be revised and strengthened.

Culturally competent and spiritually sensitive therapy with lesbian and gay Christians.

This article presents results from a retrospective qualitative study of 27 lesbian and gay (LG) Christians that examined religious and spiritual issues and resolutions. Participants were also asked to identify the necessary knowledge and skills that practitioners (social workers, therapists, pastoral care providers, and so on) working with clients who are coming out need to help such clients integrate their sexual orientation and religion or spirituality. By analyzing the stories of participants, the authors identified information to enhance practitioners' cultural competence and spiritual sensitivity. Themes identified as important were having a historical perspective, self-awareness, and a nonjudgmental attitude; expanding definitions; and understanding the power of words. Participants described both their negative and positive experiences in integrating their faith and sexual orientation, and offered pragmatic suggestions for LG Christians. Themes identified were reframing scripture and tradition, supportive pastoral relationships, affirming Christian communities, peer support, and educational resources. This article will increase practitioner understanding of how to support the integration of sexual orientation and Christianity for LG clients who are coming out. It is also a resource for LG Christians who can benefit from reading stories of those who have successfully integrated their faith and sexual orientation.

Evaluation of a spiritually focused intervention with older trauma survivors.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 11-session, spiritually focused group intervention with older women survivors (age 55 years and older) of interpersonal trauma (child abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence) in reducing trauma-related depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety. Forty-three community-dwelling women survivors of interpersonal trauma were randomized into treatment (n = 21) or control (n = 22) groups. Participants in group psychotherapy discussed spiritual struggles related to abuse and developed spiritual coping resources. The treatment group had significantly lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and physical symptoms at posttest compared with the control group. In a separate analysis, posttraumatic stress symptoms also dropped significantly in the treatment group. Gains were maintained at three-month follow-up. This study provides strong initial support for the effectiveness of spiritually focused group intervention for older survivors of interpersonal trauma from a Christian background.

Process theology's relevance for older survivors of domestic violence.

Pastoral work with survivors of domestic violence may reveal theological struggles. Understandings of scripture that reinforce a sense of powerlessness and alienation from God may contribute to an impaired relationship and limit resources for healing. One framework for re-imaging a relationship with God is process theology. This framework was applied to a case study for one survivor. The application resulted in a line of inquiry that may assist survivors in their healing process.

Structural relationships between social activities and longitudinal trajectories of depression among older adults.

PURPOSE: This study examines the structural relationships between social activities and trajectories of late-life depression. DESIGN AND METHODS: Latent class analysis was used with a nationally representative sample of older adults (N = 5,294) from the Longitudinal Study on Aging II to classify patterns of social activities. A latent growth curve model captured longitudinal changes in depression and tested the impact of social activities while controlling for residential relocation, health status, insurance, and sociodemographics. RESULTS: We found 3 different patterns of participation across 8 social activities. Specific activities of volunteering and exercise, self-perception of social activity level as "enough," and a higher participation level pattern were associated with lower initial status and longitudinal changes in depression. IMPLICATIONS: Assessing involvement in multiple social activities is important when using social activities to prevent and treat depression. Future work with improved measures can further clarify how specific activities may reduce risk for depression.

Signs of resilience in sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system.

In a sample of 99 sexually abused adolescent girls in the foster care system (64% in congregate living situations and 36% in family/foster care homes), nearly half were psychologically functioning well despite having experienced moderate-to-severe emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It was hypothesized that these girls with resilient trajectories would differ from the currently symptomatic girls on several protective factors: education, future orientation, family support, peer influence, and religion. The results revealed that the girls with resilient trajectories were significantly more certain of their educational plans and optimistic about their future and had more positive peer influences.