The Effect of Therapeutic Group Therapy (Group Therapy) on The Goals in Life of Elderly Lonely People: A Literature Review

Eriyono Budi Wijoyo

doi:10.58516/rmwcen80

Authors

Eriyono Budi Wijoyo Lecturer of Nursing Profession Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Tangerang, Banten

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58516/rmwcen80

Keywords:

elderly, therapeutic group therapy, loneliness, life goals

Abstract

Loneliness is one of the most common psychosocial problems experienced by elderly individuals due to aging-related changes, loss of social roles, declining physical health, and reduced social interaction. Prolonged loneliness may negatively affect psychological wellbeing and quality of life among older adults. Therapeutic Group Therapy (TGT/TKT) is an effective psychosocial nursing intervention for improving social connectedness, emotional adaptation, and life goals in elderly populations. This literature review aimed to analyze the effect of Therapeutic Group Therapy on the life goals of older adults experiencing loneliness based on Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) studies published between 2015 and 2020. This study used a literature review design. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar using the keywords “Elderly,” “Therapeutic Group Therapy,” and “Loneliness.” Inclusion criteria included articles published between 2015-2020, RCT studies, full-text articles, and studies focusing on psychosocial group interventions for elderly individuals experiencing loneliness. A total of nine relevant articles were analyzed. The findings showed that Therapeutic Group Therapy and other psychosocial group interventions, including group cognitive-behavioral therapy, reminiscence therapy, peer support groups, and psychosocial rehabilitation, were effective in reducing loneliness and improving psychosocial well-being among older adults. Group interventions also improved social interaction, emotional support, self-integrity, and life goals. Therapeutic Group Therapy is an effective evidence-based psychosocial nursing intervention for elderly individuals experiencing loneliness.

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