Comparison of the Effects of Resilience and Forgiveness-Based Therapeutic Techniques on Loneliness and Family Attachment in the Elderly in Shiraz

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of psychological resilience with forgiveness-based therapeutic techniques on improving loneliness, family attachment, and quality of life among the elderly in Shiraz. The research design was a semi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test measures, including a control group. The statistical population of this research included all elderly individuals in Shiraz, and the data collection took place during the month of, (May/June)۲۰۲۳ Forty-five volunteers participated in this study and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (۱۵ participants in each group). The first group received forgiveness-based therapy, the second group received resilience-based therapy, and the third group was placed on the waiting list. The research instruments included the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results indicated that forgiveness-based therapy can reduce feelings of loneliness and abandonment among the elderly and have a positive and significant impact. Additionally, psychological resilience contributed to the cognitive growth and learning of the elderly in coping with loneliness crises and their flexible response to family attachment. Both treatments were effective in reducing loneliness and family attachment. However, forgiveness-based therapy was a faster method for improving the elderly's ability to overcome life crises, as it provided a more positive perspective on their lives.

Keywords:

Psychological Resilience , Forgiveness-Based Therapy , Improvement of Loneliness , Family Attachment