Tele-Drama Therapy for Older Adults With Constricted Life-Space Mobility: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

A study shows that tele-drama therapy improves mental health and social connection in older adults with limited mobility.

Contribution

This is the first randomized controlled trial exploring tele-drama therapy for older adults with constricted life-space mobility.

Findings

Tele-drama therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms in older adults.

The intervention enhanced social connectedness and personal growth.

Thematic analysis confirmed the intervention's acceptability and effectiveness.

Abstract

Drama therapy is a mental health profession that aims to promote well-being by systematically using dramatic tools and techniques, such as storytelling, dramatic improvisation, and role-play. Research on drama therapy demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing the mental health and well-being of older adults. Ensuring access to such interventions for older adults with constricted life-space mobility is particularly important, as they are at greater risk for social isolation and poor psychological well-being. The current mixed-methods, randomized controlled trial (RCT), aimed to explore the transition to group tele-drama therapy for older adults with constricted life-space mobility. The quantitative arm of the study examined the impact of a 12-week tele-drama therapy intervention on mental health indices, and the relationship between in-session change factors and changes in outcome measures. The qualitative arm of the study explored the experiences of participants, drama therapists and community coordinators. A total of 111 older adults (aged 63-102) with constricted life-space mobility were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. The intervention, integrating life review therapy and drama therapy techniques, was delivered via Uniper Care, a social platform with accessible technology designed for the aging population. Findings revealed a significant Time X Group interaction, demonstrating the intervention’s efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing social connectedness, well-being, and personal growth. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews helped account for these quantitative findings, offering insights into treatment acceptability. These findings point to tele-drama therapy as an effective intervention for older adults with constricted life-space mobility, with implications for broader implementation.