Use of massage to influence symptom experience in women age 65 and older

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of massage on symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, inadequacy, and somatic complaints. Twenty-one women, ages 65 to 87, received three 20-minute massages over a 2-week period in an outpatient senior center. The Symptom Rating Test was ad...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Ross, Stacey Dolores Stephens
Format Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Published ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.1999
Subjects
Gerontology
Massage
Nursing
Older people
Women
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of massage on symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, inadequacy, and somatic complaints. Twenty-one women, ages 65 to 87, received three 20-minute massages over a 2-week period in an outpatient senior center. The Symptom Rating Test was administered prior to the first and after the third massage. A questionnaire was administered to determine what subjects liked most and least, if they would seek massage again, and if they felt it should be offered as a treatment option. The results showed that massage had a positive effect on symptoms of anxiety, and somatic symptoms decreased; however, symptoms of inadequacy did not improve. Most subjects would seek massage in the future and felt it should be offered as a treatment option. The results support the use of massage as an adjunct intervention in the setting of anxiety and depression.
ISBN:9780599546325
0599546328