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Volume 24, Issue 152 (10-2025)                   Journal of Psychological Science 2025, 24(152): 353-371 | Back to browse issues page


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Mohammad Abdul Kazem H, Soleimani E. (2025). The Effectiveness Therapeutic Package of Gratitude and Appreciation on the Dimensions of Mental Well-Being of the Elderly. Journal of Psychological Science. 24(152), 353-371. doi:10.61186/jps.24.152.353
URL: http://psychologicalscience.ir/article-1-3073-en.html
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. , soleymany.psy@gmail.com
Abstract:   (42 Views)
Background: Given the growing prevalence of aging, any effort and research aimed at improving the mental health of the elderly has become a necessity. On the other hand, various studies have demonstrated the relationship between gratitude and appreciation with the mental health and psychological well-being of older adults; however, in the field of therapeutic interventions, only limited research has been conducted. Accordingly, the present study examined the effectiveness of gratitude.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of a gratitude and appreciation-based therapeutic package on the dimensions of subjective well-being (emotional, psychological, and social) among older adults.
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population included all elderly residents of nursing homes in Babol City between October and December 2024 (N = 451). The research sample consisted of 60 older adults, selected through convenience sampling and based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Subjective Well-being Questionnaire (Keyes & Magyar-Moe, 2003). The gratitude training program developed by Ghomrani (2009) was implemented for the experimental group in 10 group sessions, each lasting 75 minutes, over a period of 5 weeks (two sessions per week) in one of the elderly care centers. The control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with all assumptions observed, employing SPSS version 22.
Results: The results showed that after the gratitude intervention, the mean scores of the experimental group in overall subjective well-being (η² = 0.340), emotional well-being (η² = 0.356), psychological well-being (η² = 0.398), and social well-being (η² = 0.267) significantly increased compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of this intervention (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that gratitude interventions have a significant positive impact on subjective well-being and its dimensions. It is therefore recommended that policymakers, geriatric specialists, psychologists, and counselors incorporate gratitude-based interventions—alongside other therapeutic approaches—into elderly care programs to strengthen spiritual assessments and enhance the overall well-being of older adults.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/08/12 | Accepted: 2025/10/20 | Published: 2025/10/23

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