Existential and Solution-Focused Group Intervention for Older Adults

NCT07740005 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025/11
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 26
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated existential and solution-focused group intervention enriched with narrative therapy techniques in promoting active aging among older adults. The intervention was developed to address psychosocial limitations associated with aging, including social isolation, role loss, ageism, and existential concerns. The study employed an embedded mixed-methods randomized controlled design. Older adults aged 65 years and over who attended a primary healthcare mental health unit in a city, Türkiye, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received a structured 10-session group program combining existential therapy, solution-focused approaches, and narrative therapy techniques. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Old Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the Active Aging Scale (AAS) at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Qualitative data were obtained through session transcripts and field notes to explore participants' experiences and the intervention process.

Conditions

Active Aging Individuals Aged 60 and Over; Existential Distress

Keywords

Active Aging; Existential Approach; Solution Focused Approach; Embedded Mixed Methods; Process Analysis; Thematic Analysis; Psychosocial Intervention in Later Life

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• World Health Organization Quality of Life Older Adults Module (WHOQOL OLD)

  World Health Organization Quality of Life-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD): The WHOQOL-OLD is a 24-item instrument comprising six domains: sensory abilities, autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation, death and dying, and intimacy. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Domain scores and the total score are transformed to a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.

  Baseline, immediately after the 10-week intervention, and 3 months after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Active Aging Scale (AAS)

  aseline, immediately after the 10-week intervention, and 3 months after the intervention

Study Arms (2)

Group Therapy Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to the intervention group received a structured existential and solution-focused group intervention enriched with narrative therapy techniques. The program was delivered in a closed-group format over 10 weekly sessions, with each session lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Behavioral: Existential and Solution-Focused Group Intervention

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants assigned to the control group did not receive the study intervention during the study period and continued with their usual care and routine activities. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up.

Interventions

Existential and Solution-Focused Group Intervention BEHAVIORAL

The intervention consisted of a structured 10-session closed-group program integrating existential therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and narrative therapy techniques. Each session lasted approximately 90 minutes. 1. Introduction to the group process, establishment of group rules, and development of group cohesion. 2. Exploration of aging-related psychosocial challenges, personal losses, and life transitions. 3. Identification of personal strengths, resilience resources, and successful coping experiences. 4. Exploration of meaning in life, freedom, responsibility, and acceptance of aging from an existential perspective. 5. Life review and reconstruction of personal narratives using narrative therapy techniques. 6. Identification of exceptions, personal resources, and future possibilities using solution-focused techniques. 7. Application of the miracle question, scaling questions, and goal-setting to promote hope and self-efficacy. 8. Strengthening social relationships, social par

Group Therapy Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 65 years or older. Registered at the mental health unit of the participating primary healthcare center.
• Able to communicate effectively and participate in group sessions. Sufficient cognitive functioning to complete interviews and study assessments. Willing to participate voluntarily and provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of severe psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation in the group intervention.
• Presence of neurological disorders associated with significant cognitive impairment.
• Severe physical health problems preventing attendance at group sessions. Inability or unwillingness to complete the intervention or study assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sinop University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sinop University

Sinop, Merkez, 57000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc. Prof.

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group using simple randomization (drawing lots) performed by an independent researcher. The intervention group participated in a structured 10-session existential and solution-focused group intervention, while the control group received usual care during the study period. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 28, 2026
• First Posted: July 31, 2026
• Study Start: May 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: July 7, 2025
• Study Completion: October 1, 2025
• Last Updated: July 31, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)