Effects of teaching resourcefulness skills to elders

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of learned resourcefulness training (LRT) on health of elders in retirement communities (RCs). In a clinical trial, 46 elders in four randomly selected RCs received resourcefulness training and were compared to 43 elders in four RCs who participated in a focused reflection reminiscence (FRR) group. The two groups were similar at baseline. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no changes on anxiety or depression over time; however, both were significantly correlated with functional status (r's = 0.29 and 0.35, p's < 0.01), self-assessed health (r's = −0.18 and −0.26, p's < 0.05), and resourcefulness (r's = −0.24 and −0.21, p's < 0.05). Although main effects for group were not significant, interaction effects of group and time on self-assessed health and functional status were found. These findings suggest that although teaching resourcefulness to groups of elders in RCs may have beneficial effects on improving their perception of health and functioning over time, significant effects on mental health may not be apparent.

Acknowledgements

Funding provided by National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Health (R01-04428). The authors acknowledge the editorial assistance of Elizabeth M. Tornquist of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The co-investigators thank Noreen Brady, RN, PhD, and Patricia Wilke, RN, MSN for conducting the resourcefulness training and focused reflection sessions for the elders in the retirement communities.