Comparison Effect of Jacobson and Benson Relaxation on the Elderly's Depression

Abstract The Jacobson and Benson relaxation are systematic techniques that can be used to obtain deep relaxation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two relaxation techniques (Jacobson & Benson) on depression in the elderly. The method of this study was semi-experimental. Among all elderly in JahanDideghan home of Boroujen, who had the conditions to enter the present study, 30 people selected and after completing the Beck Depression Inventory as a pre-test, they were divided into three groups of 10 people (controls, Benson relaxation and Jacobson relaxation). In the following, experimental groups performed relaxation exercises for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. In the end, Beck Depression Inventory was completed again as a post-test by the elderly. To analyze the statistical data, paired t-test and repeated measures test were used. According to the results of paired t-test, mean scores of depression before and after intervention significantly different in the two experimental groups (P=0/001). However, this difference was not significant in the control group (P=0/34). Also, based on the results of repeated measures test, there was a significant difference between Benson and Jacobson relaxation groups (P=0/04), which means that the Jacobson relaxation group improved more than the Benson relaxation group. According to the results of this study, Jacobson and Benson relaxation methods have a significant effect on depression in the elderly and can be used as useful tools for depression improvement in elderly care centers.