| Summary: | 碩士 === 輔英科技大學 === 護理系碩士班 === 103 === This study examined the effects of artistic activities on depression reduction and self-esteem improvement among elderly in long-term care institutions by comparing both sample groups before and after the interventions. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select subjects aged 65 and above with intact mental functions and depression tendencies and currently residing in senior citizen welfare facilities and nursing homes in Kaohsiung. Data was collected from 7 institutions, where 29 subjects were assigned to experimental group and 26 were allocated to control group.
The experimental group participated in a selection of 12 artistic activities. Each activity lasted for about one hour, twice a week, for 6 weeks, while the control group adhered to their ordinary activities. Structured questionnaire and one-to-one interviews were used to collect information. The statistical analysis included independent sample t-test, paired t-test, and ANCOVA; and qualitative data (the process and results of artistic sessions) was recorded and analyzed by using participant observation.
The results revealed that originally the depression symptom of the institutional elderly was mild and their self-esteem was low. After participating in artistic sessions, participants indicated that their happiness, confidence and sense of accomplishment were increased, thus the levels of depression and self-esteem in experimental group were significantly improved. However, the levels of depression and self-esteem between pre-test and post-test were not significantly different in control group. Therefore, the findings indicated that artistic activities can improve depression and enhance self-esteem among the elderly residing in long-term care institutions.
According to the results, we suggest that nurses and nursing students should enhance their overall artistic knowledge and unite their nursing skills with artistic activities in order to upgrade the distinction and novelty of nursing professions, and consequently lead geriatric nursing to a more diverse and evident development.
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