Psychological status of students attending a university program for elders: an approach to anxiety and depression symptoms

Authors

  • Naiara Ozamiz-Etxebarria University of the Basque Country
  • Miren Agurtzane Ortiz-Jauregui Universidad El Bosque

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18270/chps..v18i1.2857

Keywords:

healthy aging, psychology, anxiety, depression

Abstract

It is a fact that the global population is aging and Europe is the country with the largest proportion of population aged 60 years and over. studies have demonstrated the importance of social networks and social inclusion in the welfare of the elderly. The aim of the current study was to assess psychological status in a group of students participating in a university-based program for retired/elderly people. The hypothesis proposed was that participation in the program would have a positive impact on anxiety and depression symptoms. 45 individuals attending a program for retired/elderly people at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao, Spain, were assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The assessment was done prior to the participation in the University-based curriculum, as well as eight months after. Socio-demographic data were also collected. Changes from time 1 to time 2 evaluations in total and factor scores for key dimensions of the BSI were analyzed. For doing so, T tests and multifactorial analyses -particularly focused on anxiety and depression symptoms- were used. A positive change following participation in the program was observed in most dimensions of the BSI, particularly in measures of anxiety and depression symptoms. The provision of special university-based programs for elderly/retired people may lead to positive outcomes in psychological status.

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Published

2020-02-19

How to Cite

Ozamiz-Etxebarria, N., & Ortiz-Jauregui, M. A. (2020). Psychological status of students attending a university program for elders: an approach to anxiety and depression symptoms. Cuadernos Hispanoamericanos De Psicología, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.18270/chps.v18i1.2857
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