Motivation and Psychotherapy in Older Adults with Care Needs and Depression

Abstract

The utilization of psychotherapy for home-living, vulnerable older adults with depression is limited. Understanding patients motivation is essential to tailoring psychotherapy to their needs and improving therapeutical efficacy. Based on cross-sectional data obtained from a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial (PSY-CARE study), this study investigated general intake concerns (ICs) and patients treatment goals (PTG) of home-living older adults with depression. Data on ICs (N = 251 older adults interested in participation) were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Data on PTGs (N = 86 participants receiving psychotherapy) were analyzed quantitatively. Main ICs included reducing depressive symptoms and coping with new (health) situations. PTGs focused on coping with health problems and age-related losses. The results provide clinicians with valuable insights into motivational factors in this vulnerable and hard-to-reach population.