Abstract

This research was performed with the purpose of evaluating effectiveness of group meaning therapy on decreased depression and promotion of hope to life in elders of the city of Ilam. Method of research was experimental with a pre and post-test design and a control group. Statistical population constituted of all elder women in the city of Ilam 30 of whom were selected from nursing home by at access sampling to participate in the study. Study group was divided into two consisting of 15 members each as experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of group meaning therapy. Pre-test, post-test and follow-up (in 3 months) was administered for both groups. The data was collected using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Adult Hope Scale (AHS). Research data was analyzed using multi- variable analysis of covariance and single variable analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results showed meaningful difference between mean scores of depression and hope for life in the post test and follow up compared to the pre-test in the experimental group. Depression decreased in the post-test and follow up compared to the pre-test and the variable of hope to life meaningfully increased. Thus, it can be concluded that using meaning therapy, hope can be increased and level of depression can be improved in elderly individuals and a step can be taken in the direction of their psychological health. © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.