Full metadata
Title
A feasibility study of Tai Chi Easy for spousally bereaved older adults
Description
Spousal bereavement is one of the most stressful life events, resulting in increased morbidities and mortality risk. Negative health outcomes include depressive episodes, anxiety, sleep disruption, and overall poorer physical health. The older adult population is rapidly increasing and over 30% of the US population 65 years and older are widowed. Current studies regarding older adults and spousal bereavement treatment have been limited to psychological and educational interventions. Meditative movement practices (e.g. Tai Chi) have shown benefits such as mood elevation, anxiety reduction, and other physical function improvements. A feasibility study applying an 8-week Tai Chi Easy intervention was examined to address the sequelae of spousal bereavement among adults 65 and older. Grounded in geriatric nursing as a discipline that addresses the unique needs of older adults' psychological and physiological health needs and related theoretical constructs, this project also draws from exercise science, mental health, and social psychology. Theoretical premises include Orem's Self Care Deficit Theory (nursing), Stroebe and Schut's Dual Process Model (thanatology), and Peter Salmon's Unifying Theory (exercise). Aims of the study examined feasibility as well as pre-post-intervention changes in grief, and the degree of loss orientation relative to restoration orientation (Inventory of Daily Widowed Life). A trend in the direction of improvement was found in measured subscales, as well as a statistically significant change within the loss orientation subscale. Based upon these encouraging findings, effect sizes may be used to power a future larger study of similar nature.
Date Created
2012
Contributors
- Nseir, Stacey C (Author)
- Larkey, Linda K. (Thesis advisor)
- Mcclain, Darya B. (Committee member)
- Coon, David W. (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Topical Subject
Resource Type
Extent
unpaged
Language
eng
Copyright Statement
In Copyright
Primary Member of
Peer-reviewed
No
Open Access
No
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.15958
Statement of Responsibility
by Stacey C. Nseir
Description Source
Retrieved on Oct. 4, 2013
Level of coding
full
Note
thesis
Partial requirement for: Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2012
bibliography
Includes bibliographical references
Field of study: Nursing and healthcare innovation
System Created
- 2013-01-17 06:39:39
System Modified
- 2021-08-30 01:43:49
- 3 years 2 months ago
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