The Effectiveness of Autogenic Relaxation Therapy on Depression in Elderly Women at the Aisyiyah Surakarta Elderly Home

Abstract

Background: An elderly person is defined as someone aged 60 years or older who has undergone various physical, psychosocial, and psychological changes. Depression is a mental health issue that can impair functional ability and quality of life if not promptly addressed. Autogenic relaxation therapy is a self-administered therapy utilizing short phrases that focus on regulating bodily functions, ranging from breathing to heart rate. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation therapy for elderly women at the Aisyiyah Surakarta Nursing Home. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed specifically, an untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest samples involving two groups: a treatment group and a control group. The study sample consisted of 40 respondents selected via total sampling. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used as the research instrument. Ultimately, 32 respondents met the inclusion criteria (16 in the treatment group and 16 in the control group), while 8 respondents fell under the exclusion criteria. Results: The results showed that the mean depression score in the treatment group decreased from 7.81 to 3.50, whereas the control group showed no change, remaining at a mean of 8.25. Paired t-test results indicated a significant difference in the treatment group (p=0.000), while no significant difference was found in the control group between pre- and post-measurement depression scores. Conclusion: Independent t-test results revealed a significant difference between the treatment and control groups (p=0.000), demonstrating that autogenic relaxation therapy is effective in reducing depression levels among elderly women at the Aisyiyah Surakarta Nursing Home.