Using Sociometric Data to Increase Social Integration and Reduce Depression Among Residents of an Assisted Living Community: A Pilot Study

STEVEN A. STEIN; KEVIN P. PROSNICK

Authors

STEVEN A. STEIN Author
KEVIN P. PROSNICK Author

Keywords:

Depression

Abstract

Little research on interventions for people over 75 and residing in assisted living communities has been conducted. In this pilot study, the first author administered a sociometric test measuring friendliness, sociability, and concern for others, along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), to evaluate the effects of a 4-month sociometric intervention period. The first author designed the sociometric interventions used during the 4-month period to increase self-disclosure and enhance mutual interpersonal sharing among participants. BDI scores were significantly lowered, and participants mutually selected one another significantly more at posttest. Also, at posttest, significantly more participants selected themselves as being sociable and concerned. The authors found a significant relationship between decreased depression scores and increased mutual scores, which supported existing research.

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Using Sociometric Data to Increase Social Integration and Reduce Depression Among Residents of an Assisted Living Community: A Pilot Study

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