AN EXAMINATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF FOCUS GROUPS ON ELDERLYWORRIERS

This study examines the effects on elderly worriers, of a focus group discussion about the topic of worry. All subjects (N = 21) were self-d esignated worriers, and at least seventy years of age. Pretest and Pos ttest measures included questionnaires on worry, life satisfaction, an d psychological symptom domains unrelated to the focus group topic. Th e percentage of the day spent worrying variable, which was the criteri on variable for admittance into the groups, showed a significant reduc tion from pre to post. The focus group participants also evaluated the focus group experience as positive and beneficial. The value of focus groups for therapeutic effectiveness and data collection with the eld erly are discussed.