The use of exercise-assisted psychotherapy in China to treat depression among elderly solitary individuals

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-08, Vol.43 (31), p.26052-26063
• Main Authors: Zhang, Gaohua, Guo, Dongdong, Zhang, Yinghui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Exercise; Loneliness; Mental depression; Physical fitness; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Social Sciences; Variance analysis
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-024-06290-0

This study aimed to validate the efficacy of exercise-assisted psychotherapy sessions in treating depression in older patients. The 6-month intervention included exercise, talk therapy, and social interaction. Loneliness, physical activity intensity, and depression levels were measured before, during, and after the intervention. A Student’s t-test was used to compare the initial and final scores. The course was most successful for depression, with the average depression score falling from 23.15 (severe depression) to 11.46 (mild depression). Throughout the trial, the effects of age, sex, education, and marital status on variables (loneliness, depression, physical activity) were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The age of participants did not influence depression and loneliness, but it did affect physical activity. Women had higher levels of depression and physical activity, and elderly people who had been widowed or divorced were more likely to experience loneliness. The article makes suggestions for improving the mental health system in China.