Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
. Ph. D Candidate in genral pschology, Departmant of pschology, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Islamic Azad University,Tabriz Branch, Tabriz,, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Departmant of Counseling, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22126/jap.2026.12949.1882
Abstract
Background: Old age is one of the critical stages of human development, which, due to age-related deficiencies, entails specific physical, cognitive, and psychological changes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of schema therapy on death anxiety and feelings of loneliness in elderly women with hypochondriasis.
Method: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up design including a control group. The statistical population of the study comprised all elderly women residing in nursing homes in Ahvaz in the year 2024. From this population, 30 individuals who met the inclusion criteria were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants per group). Initially, a pre-test was administered to both groups. The experimental group received schema therapy training for eight sessions (one 60-minute session per week), while the control group was placed on a waiting list. Subsequently, a post-test was administered to both groups, followed by a follow-up phase three months later. Data collection tools included the Templer Death Anxiety Scale and the Dehshiri Loneliness Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mixed ANOVA via SPSS software version 26.
Findings: The results indicated that schema therapy was effective in reducing death anxiety and feelings of loneliness in elderly women (P ≤ 0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: It is concluded that utilizing this therapeutic method can improve the mental health of elderly women with hypochondriasis, and the application of this treatment approach is recommended by psychologists.
Main Subjects
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