Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Supportive Therapy on The Psychosocial Adjustment of Elderly Individuals in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Supportive Therapy (SST) on psychosocial adjustment among elderly individuals in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing prevalence of psychosocial challenges faced by the elderly, including depression, anxiety, social isolation, and cognitive decline, often worsened by the collapse of traditional support systems and inadequate access to mental health services. A quasi-experimental, pre-test post-test control group design was employed, involving 60 elderly participants drawn from three senatorial zones (Kaduna North, Central, and South). Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: CBT, SST, and a control group that received no intervention. The intervention lasted six weeks, during which trained psychologists administered weekly CBT and SST sessions. Data were collected using the Psychosocial Adjustment Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results revealed that both CBT and SST significantly improved psychosocial adjustment among the elderly, with SST showing slightly greater effectiveness, particularly in enhancing emotional and social support. Additionally, the study found that while CBT was more effective in improving cognitive coping and reducing negative thought patterns, SST had a stronger impact on social connectedness and emotional well-being. These findings underscore the relevance of integrating both therapies into geriatric mental health programs, especially in culturally sensitive contexts like Nigeria, where emotional support, religion, and gender roles significantly influence adjustment in old age. The study concludes by recommending the institutionalization of psychological interventions for the elderly in community health centres and elderly care programs, and calls for the training of professionals to implement such interventions effectively.