Development, Validation, and Evaluation of a Psychological Hardiness Training Package for Older Adults Residing in Nursing Homes

Maryam Hojjati; Reza Soltani Shal; Sajjad Rezaei

Authors

Maryam Hojjati Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanity, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8069-6649
Reza Soltani Shal Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanity, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3293-1788
Sajjad Rezaei Department of Psychology, Faculty of Literature and Humanity, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7292-9669

Keywords:

psychological hardiness, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, older adults, mixed-methods research

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological hardiness–based training package on life satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults residing in nursing homes.

Methods and Materials: In this sequential exploratory mixed-methods study, the training package was initially developed based on in-depth interviews with 17 participants, including older adults and specialists, and its content validity was subsequently confirmed by 10 experts. In the quasi-experimental phase, using a pretest–posttest design with a control group, 30 older adults residing in nursing homes in Rasht were matched and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received twelve 70-minute intervention sessions over 6 weeks. The instruments included the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the short form of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RSPWB). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).

Findings: The qualitative analysis resulted in the identification of 10 key components and the development of a 12-session training package. The quantitative findings indicated that the intervention significantly increased life satisfaction (p < .001) and the total psychological well-being score (p < .001) in the experimental group. At the component level, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and autonomy improved significantly (p < .001), whereas changes in environmental mastery and personal growth were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The developed training package, grounded in a culturally contextualized structure and demonstrating high validity, represents an effective and empowering intervention for improving dynamic dimensions of psychological well-being and life satisfaction among older adults. Its integration into supportive programs provided by nursing homes is therefore recommended.

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