Emotional Intelligence and Relaxation Techniques for Mental Health and Sleep in Older Adults

University of Jaén

Status: Completed

Conditions: Older People

Treatments: Other: Emotional intelligence and Relaxation techniques

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06671574

^University of Jaén^

Details and patient eligibility

About

This topic highlights the role of emotional intelligence and relaxation techniques in enhancing mental health for adults over 60. Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one's emotions, can improve emotional well-being in older adults facing challenges like loneliness and anxiety. Sleep disorders are common in this age group and can lead to increased mental health issues such as depression. Relaxation techniques, including meditation, yoga, and deep breathing, have been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. By integrating emotional intelligence and relaxation practices into daily life, older adults can enhance their overall quality of life and mental health.

Enrollment: 98 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• People aged 60 years or older.
• Older adults with mental health problems, such as anxiety, stress, or mild depressive symptoms.
• Participants who report difficulty falling or staying asleep, or who have some type of sleep disorder (such as insomnia or fragmented sleep).
• People willing to participate in emotional intelligence interventions and relaxation techniques.
• Older adults who live in a stable environment (private housing, community centers, etc.) and who have sufficient cognitive abilities to understand and follow basic instructions for relaxation techniques.

Exclusion criteria

• People under 60 years of age.
• Older adults with serious psychiatric disorders, such as advanced dementia, schizophrenia, or uncontrolled bipolar disorder, that could interfere with effective participation in the interventions.
• Participants with serious physical health problems, such as unstable heart disease or advanced respiratory failure, that could be worsened by relaxation techniques or limit their participation.
• People who are already receiving specific treatment for sleep disorders that includes medication or intensive psychotherapeutic interventions, since these could interfere with the results of the study.
• Older adults with severe sensory limitations (such as deafness or uncorrected blindness) that prevent them from understanding or adequately performing the proposed relaxation techniques.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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98 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

This group will not receive intervention, but will receive information sessions on general health and well-being topics, such as sleep hygiene, healthy lifestyle habits and practical tips to improve rest, in order to control for the placebo effect. These information sessions will be held at the beginning of the study and will be supported by brochures and educational material.

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will participate in a structured program that combines the development of emotional intelligence with relaxation techniques. It will last 12 weeks, with sessions twice a week, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The sessions will be led by a mental health professional. During the sessions, exercises will be worked on to recognize, understand and regulate emotions, allowing participants to develop skills to better manage stress and anxiety. In addition, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided meditation and visualization will be practiced, which have been shown to be effective in reducing muscle tension, lowering cortisol levels and promoting restful sleep.

Treatment:

Other: Emotional intelligence and Relaxation techniques