Increasing Older Adults’ Engagement with Psychotherapy
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Mueller, Hayley
Issue Date
2023
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
older adults , older adult , aging , elderly , psychotherapy , counselling , attitudinal barriers , evidence-based , internalized stigma , mental health literacy , literature review
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone project aimed at finding evidence-based ways to increase older adults' engagement with psychotherapy. The aging population underutilizes psychotherapy, and their mental health concerns are underrecognized and underrepresented in research. As the older adult population continues to grow, the underutilization issue could increase the rate of untreated mental health concerns. Some prominent barriers to older adults' lack of engagement with psychotherapy are attitudinal barriers, including mental health literacy and internalized stigma. Although literature and policy have argued for strategies and interventions to support older adults' engagement with psychotherapy, this does not imply successful outcomes. Therefore, this paper attempted to fill in the gaps by reviewing the relevant evidence-based practices conducted in research to address the issue. Following an in-depth research analysis, there was no consistent or conclusive evidence for any intervention or strategy to increase older adults' engagement. However, particular themes and successful aspects of the research led to important implications for clinical practice and recommendations for future research.