NCT06787703

Are Older Adults Prepared to Respond to Disasters? Psychological First Aid on Dignity-Related Distress, Social Frailty, and Psychological Resilience

Are Older Adults Prepared to Respond to Disasters? A Randomized Controlled Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid on Dignity-Related Distress, Social Frailty, and Psychological Resilience Among Institutionalized Elders

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The rapid increase in the global aging population has drawn attention to the unique challenges faced by institutionalized elders. These individuals often contend with various forms of psychosocial stress, including dignity-related distress, social frailty, and reduced psychological resilience. Dignity-related distress, characterized by feelings of worthlessness or loss of respect, significantly impacts mental health and quality of life among older adults, especially those in long-term care facilities. Similarly, social frailty-marked by diminished social networks and weakened interpersonal interactions-further exacerbates their vulnerability to loneliness and mental health disorders. Enhancing psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is therefore critical to improving their overall well-being. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a structured intervention designed to provide immediate support and foster adaptive coping strategies during crises. While PFA has been widely implemented in disaster and emergency contexts, its application in addressing the psychosocial needs of institutionalized elders remains underexplored. Given its focus on promoting safety, comfort, and connectedness, PFA may hold potential for mitigating dignity-related distress, strengthening social bonds, and enhancing psychological resilience among this vulnerable population. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA in alleviating dignity-related distress, reducing social frailty, and bolstering psychological resilience among institutionalized elders. By addressing these intertwined psychosocial factors, the research aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in care settings

Detailed description

The study addresses critical aspects of elderly care, particularly for those in institutional settings. Institutionalized elders often face challenges such as diminished dignity, social isolation, and reduced resilience, which can significantly impact their mental and emotional well-being. By evaluating the role of Psychological First Aid (PFA), a practical and empathetic intervention designed to provide immediate emotional support, the study explores its potential to alleviate dignity-related distress, mitigate social frailty, and enhance psychological resilience. The findings have important implications for improving the quality of life for institutionalized elders by promoting a sense of self-worth, strengthening social connections, and fostering adaptability to life's challenges, ultimately contributing to a more holistic approach to elder care.As well, this study involved an innovative application of the psychological first aid interventions. While PFA has been widely used in disaster response and emergency settings, its application in addressing the day-to-day struggles of institutionalized elders is novel. The study expands the scope of PFA, demonstrating its adaptability and potential for broader usage in healthcare and social care settings. The findings of this study could influence policies and practices in eldercare by advocating for the integration of PFA into standard care protocols. It highlights the need for training caregivers in PFA to improve the holistic care of institutionalized elders. In general, the study adds to the growing body of gerontological research, offering evidence-based strategies to address the complex psychological and social needs of the aging population in institutional settings.

Conditions

• Elderly
• Psychological Adaptation
• First Aid
• Stress
• Psychological Stress

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Psychological First Aid Intervention	Psychological first aid is a compassionate and supportive presence designed to mitigate acute distress and asses the need for continued mental health care. The intervention aims to enhance the compassionate presence, assist with needs and promote adaptive functioning. The intervention encompasses seven main themes (RAPID model, emotion stabilization, self-compassion, reframing, instillation of hope and empowerment) that will be covered through a series of five training exercises conducted on 6 sessions. Each session ranged in duration from 30 to 45 minutes. The program going along the RAPID PFA model, that represents a simple structure of (R for: establishing rapport and reflective listening, A: assessment, P: prioritization, I: intervention and D: disposition). The program going along the RAPID PFA model, that represents a simple structure of (R for: establishing rapport and reflective listening, A: assessment, P: prioritization, I: intervention and D: disposition). The

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-03
• Primary completion: 2025-03-30
• Completion: 2025-03-30
• First posted: 2025-01-22
• Last updated: 2025-07-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt