Effects of Group Reality Therapy on the Mental Health of Elderly Residing at Iran`s Shahid Hasheminejad Nursing Home

Objectives: The main goal of this study was to determine the effect of group reality therapy on mental health of elderly residing at Iran Shahid Hasheminejad nursing home (ISHNH). Methods & Materials: This is an experimental, case-control, pilot study with the pre-test and post-test design. With a random and matched case-control group selection from all healthy male elderly staying at (ISHNH), 30 samples entered based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After their inform consents obtained, they were placed into two groups of case (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Case (experimental) group participated in 10 sessions of group reality therapy while the control group did not receive such kind of therapy. Results: The outcomes were interpreted by using the covariance analysis. The reality therapy group showed significant (P<0.05) results in increasing their total score of mental health as well as reducing anxiety and improving their social performance .But in control group did not show significantly to reduce their depression and physical symptoms. Conclusion: Group reality therapy has a positive effect on increasing mental health in elderly. Such therapy also refreshes learning courses for the staff and nurses working in the nursing homes. This model may be a valuable treatment in elderly`s for reducing their anxiety and improving their social performances