The effect of poetry therapy on depression in elderly residents of a nursing home in Arak - Iran

Considering the aged population development and the prevalence of depression in this group، especially in nursing homes، paying attention to psycho-therapeutic approaches، especially in terms of ease and lack of side effects is absolutely necessary. This study investigated the effects of group poetry therapy on depression of elderly people. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 72 elderly living at a nursing home and also were randomly selected and classified in two groups of intervention (n=39) and control (n=33) groups. Poetry therapy group was designed for the intervention group and 12 sessions of 60 minutes were carried out for 6 weeks. Without any special interruption، the intervention group participated regularly in group meetings. The data collection tools were questionnaire، demographic information and geriatric depression scale. To analyze and collect data، chi-square، t-tests and paired t-test were utilized. Our finding showed a significant difference between pre and post intervention، where the elderly depression mean score in intervention group changed from 7. 6 to 6. 5 (P<0. 004) but no significant difference was observed in the control group (P>0. 87). Having considered the results، it can be said that group poetry therapy can be effective to reduce depression in older adults. Therefore، it is recommended to use such an easy and low cost skill in nursing homes or own homes to promote mental health and improve depression symptoms.