Comparison of the effect of group counseling based on spirituality-based therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on improving the quality of life the elderly

The quality of life in the aging period is reduced due to physical, psychological and rehabilitation problem. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness the spirituality-based therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on improving the quality of life of the elderly. The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest, posttest, and follow-up design with control group. The population of the study consisted of all elderly people resident in the elderly homes of Zabol city. The current sample consisted of 36 people from the elderly over 60 years old. The experiment groups participated in Spirituality therapy and Acceptance and Commitment-based therapy in 14 sessions of 90 minutes. The participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using covariance analysis. The results showed that spirituality therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy have an effect on improving the quality of life of the elderly, and this effect is persistent in the follow-up stage (P < 0.001). Also, spirituality therapy than acceptance and commitment therapy has a more effective on improving the quality of life of the elderly (p < 0.001). Based on this the results can be concluded that the use of spiritual-based therapeutic methods due to cultural and religious affiliation can be more effective than other therapeutic methods, including acceptance therapy and commitment to improve the quality of life of the elderly.