Psychogerontological intervention on psychological flexibility in older adults in Peru

Ticona-Ticona A.M.; Chura-Quispe G.; Estrada-Araoz E.G.; Laura-De La Cruz B.D. · Gaceta Medica de Caracas (2026) · DOI: 10.47307/gmc.2026.134.s2.14

Resumen

Introduction: Population ageing increases the need for psychological interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to strengthen adaptive skills, including psychological flexibility, and to promote well-being in older adulthood. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the psychogerontological intervention programme called ‘Embracing Change’ on the psychological flexibility of older adults at a Comprehensive Care Centre for Older Adults (CIAM). Methods: The approach was quantitative and prospective, with a pre-experimental design and pre-and post-intervention measurements. The sample consisted of 64 older adults, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) was used to measure the dependent variable, and an ad hoc scale was used to assess the perception of the intervention. Results: Before the programme was implemented, 71.88 % of participants had low psychological flexibility; by the end, 51.56 % had high psychological flexibility. High and statistically significant differences were observed between the pretest and post-test (p < 0.001, r > 0.8). Additionally, 68.75 % of participants reported being very satisfied with the experience, highlighting the usefulness of the content, guidance, and emotional support. Conclusions: An increase in psychological flexibility was observed in the pre–post assessment following the implementation of the “Abrazando el cambio” programme, suggesting its usefulness and feasibility as an ACT-based community intervention for older adults. Given the pre-experimental design without a control group, the findings should be interpreted with caution and require confirmation through controlled studies.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios; Universidad Privada de Tacna; Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann; Escuela de Posgrado Newman