Volume 21, Issue 1 (Spring 2026)
Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2026, 21(1): 154-165 |
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Bohlouli H, Azadi M, Hasani F, Qodsi P. Comparing the Effect of Compassion Therapy and Integrated Spiritual Therapy on Existential Anxiety in Older Adults With Chronic Pain. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2026; 21 (1) :154-165
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2908-en.html
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2908-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, KI.C., Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, TS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. ,mehran.azadi@gmail.com
3- Department of Counseling, TC.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Psychology, TC.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, TS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. ,
3- Department of Counseling, TC.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Psychology, TC.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (3166 Views)
Objectives Aging is consistently associated with chronic pain and anxiety. While various treatment strategies have been explored, research comparing these approaches specifically for the elderly remains limited. One such approach considered by therapists is compassion-based treatment. Another method is the integrated spirituality psychotherapy model, a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment that incorporates several therapeutic techniques and a spiritual-monotheistic theme. This model aims to restore values in the elderly, fostering the integration and consolidation of their entire personality. The present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of compassion therapy and integrated spiritual therapy on existential anxiety in elderly individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Methods & Materials The present study was designed as an applied, semi-experimental research with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases, including a control group. The statistical population comprised elderly individuals with chronic pain residing at the Anusha Elderly Center in Tehran during the year 2023. A sample size of 45 eligible elderly individuals was selected through convenience sampling. These participants were then randomly assigned to three groups of 15: group one received compassion therapy, group two received integrated spiritual therapy, and group three served as the control group, receiving no intervention. The first experimental group underwent the Paul Gilbert and Russell Colts protocol for compassion therapy, while the second experimental group received the Pargament’s integrated spirituality therapy, incorporating a cognitive-behavioral approach. The control group did not receive any program. The research instrument was the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software, employing analysis of variance with repeated measures.
Results The results showed that in terms of demographics, the highest frequency within the compassion therapy group (6 people, 40%), spirituality group (7 people, 46.66%), and control group (5 people, 33.33%) was observed in the age range of 76 to 80 years. Also, the effect of time on existential anxiety scores across the three stages (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up) was significant (P<0.01, F(1.27)=4.21), demonstrating a notable difference in existential anxiety scores between these time points.
Conclusion Compassion therapy is more effective than integrated spiritual therapy in reducing existential anxiety in the elderly with chronic pain. It is recommended that compassion therapy, recognized as an effective non-pharmacological method for mitigating existential anxiety in this demographic, be utilized on an ongoing basis.
Methods & Materials The present study was designed as an applied, semi-experimental research with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases, including a control group. The statistical population comprised elderly individuals with chronic pain residing at the Anusha Elderly Center in Tehran during the year 2023. A sample size of 45 eligible elderly individuals was selected through convenience sampling. These participants were then randomly assigned to three groups of 15: group one received compassion therapy, group two received integrated spiritual therapy, and group three served as the control group, receiving no intervention. The first experimental group underwent the Paul Gilbert and Russell Colts protocol for compassion therapy, while the second experimental group received the Pargament’s integrated spirituality therapy, incorporating a cognitive-behavioral approach. The control group did not receive any program. The research instrument was the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software, employing analysis of variance with repeated measures.
Results The results showed that in terms of demographics, the highest frequency within the compassion therapy group (6 people, 40%), spirituality group (7 people, 46.66%), and control group (5 people, 33.33%) was observed in the age range of 76 to 80 years. Also, the effect of time on existential anxiety scores across the three stages (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up) was significant (P<0.01, F(1.27)=4.21), demonstrating a notable difference in existential anxiety scores between these time points.
Conclusion Compassion therapy is more effective than integrated spiritual therapy in reducing existential anxiety in the elderly with chronic pain. It is recommended that compassion therapy, recognized as an effective non-pharmacological method for mitigating existential anxiety in this demographic, be utilized on an ongoing basis.
Keywords: Shafaq therapy, Integrated spiritual therapy, Existential anxiety, Dealing with pain, Elderly people
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2024/08/14 | Accepted: 2025/01/08 | Published: 2026/03/30
Received: 2024/08/14 | Accepted: 2025/01/08 | Published: 2026/03/30
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