The Effectiveness of the Group Psychological Counseling Model to Enhance Psychological Well–Being of Elderly in Yala Province, Thailand

Abstract

This mixed-method study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the group psychological counseling model for enhancing psychological well–being of elderly in Yala Province, Thailand. The experimental group consisted of 8 elderly people selected by multi-stage and purposive sampling. Research instruments comprised; psychological well–being questionnaires for the elderly people with the reliability of 0.77, the psychological counseling model with the IOC ranged from 0.60 – 1.00, and items for a focus group discussion. Data were analyzed by using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank test including content analysis.  The findings revealed that the mean scores of psychological well-being of the elderly were higher after participating in group counseling and the follow up were 4.11, 5.13 and 5.29, respectively. The mean scores Psychological well–being of the elderly were different between before counseling, after participating in group counseling and the follow up (  = 14.250, p <.001). Focus group report of the elderly who attended the group counseling model showed that they were satisfied with the group counselling model as they had opportunity to freely express and exchange their ideas within the group members and satisfied with the model and applied to living well. The study found group psychological counseling model results in a statistically significant and influences the level of psychological well-being of the participants for enhancing psychological well–being of elderly in Yala Province, Thailand. The study findings could be utilized as the baseline data for enhancing psychological well–being of elderly in the community to develop the plan for improving the quality of life of the elderly. Furthermore, the findings could be used for developing the guideline for providing the service which met the needs of the elderly.