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PSY 689 Week 6 | Discussion Section Assignment | 2025 Update with
complete solutions.
Discussion Section Assignment
Michael Cummings
Department of Psychology, Keiser University
PSY689: Capstone II
Dr. Mendelson
April 20th, 2025
, 2
Discussion Section Assignment
What can one conclude from the evaluation? Does the program have any merit? For
whom? Do the findings apply to the real world?
The outcome of the depression program for elders indicates that it is of high value,
particularly to its intended population—the older adult with depressive symptoms. The
significant improvements noted by the recipients of this program included better mood, more
energy, and greater sense of purpose. These outcomes indicate that the program is successful in
addressing the short-term psychological concerns of older adults as well as contributing
positively to general quality of life.
The intervention applies several intervention strategies that are appropriately modified to
tackle the specific issues experienced by elderly persons. Cuijpers et al. (2014) argue that
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential part, which enables the participants to
recognize and change negative attitudes that enhance their feelings of despair and depression. In
addition, the program emphasizes the importance of social support by convening group sessions
that facilitate peer interactions and establish a sense of belongingness among the participants.
This aspect is particularly important given that the majority of older persons experience
loneliness and social isolation, which has a tendency to exacerbate depressive symptoms.
The findings of this program align with an emerging body of evidence that highlights the
effectiveness of individually designed mental health interventions in older people. Evidence
substantiates that programs tailored to address this population's particular needs—such as
considerations of accessibility, content relevance, and availability of social interaction—are
likely to be beneficial (Kok & Reynolds, 2017). This alignment not only enhances the
conclusions drawn by the program's validity but also highlights its feasibility for implementation
PSY 689 Week 6 | Discussion Section Assignment | 2025 Update with
complete solutions.
Discussion Section Assignment
Michael Cummings
Department of Psychology, Keiser University
PSY689: Capstone II
Dr. Mendelson
April 20th, 2025
, 2
Discussion Section Assignment
What can one conclude from the evaluation? Does the program have any merit? For
whom? Do the findings apply to the real world?
The outcome of the depression program for elders indicates that it is of high value,
particularly to its intended population—the older adult with depressive symptoms. The
significant improvements noted by the recipients of this program included better mood, more
energy, and greater sense of purpose. These outcomes indicate that the program is successful in
addressing the short-term psychological concerns of older adults as well as contributing
positively to general quality of life.
The intervention applies several intervention strategies that are appropriately modified to
tackle the specific issues experienced by elderly persons. Cuijpers et al. (2014) argue that
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an essential part, which enables the participants to
recognize and change negative attitudes that enhance their feelings of despair and depression. In
addition, the program emphasizes the importance of social support by convening group sessions
that facilitate peer interactions and establish a sense of belongingness among the participants.
This aspect is particularly important given that the majority of older persons experience
loneliness and social isolation, which has a tendency to exacerbate depressive symptoms.
The findings of this program align with an emerging body of evidence that highlights the
effectiveness of individually designed mental health interventions in older people. Evidence
substantiates that programs tailored to address this population's particular needs—such as
considerations of accessibility, content relevance, and availability of social interaction—are
likely to be beneficial (Kok & Reynolds, 2017). This alignment not only enhances the
conclusions drawn by the program's validity but also highlights its feasibility for implementation
