Are Older Adults Prepared to Respond to Disasters? A Randomized Controlled Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid on Dignity-Related Distress, Social Frailty, and Psychological Resilience Among Institutionalized Elders

The rapid increase in the global aging population has drawn attention to the unique challenges faced by institutionalized elders. These individuals often contend with various forms of psychosocial stress, including dignity-related distress, social frailty, and reduced psychological resilience. Dignity-related distress, characterized by feelings of worthlessness or loss of respect, significantly impacts mental health and quality of life among older adults, especially those in long-term care facilities. Similarly, social frailty-marked by diminished social networks and weakened interpersonal interactions-further exacerbates their vulnerability to loneliness and mental health disorders. Enhancing psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is therefore critical to improving their overall well-being. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a structured intervention designed to provide immediate support and foster adaptive coping strategies during crises. While PFA has been widely implemented in disaster and emergency contexts, its application in addressing the psychosocial needs of institutionalized elders remains underexplored. Given its focus on promoting safety, comfort, and connectedness, PFA may hold potential for mitigating dignity-related distress, strengthening social bonds, and enhancing psychological resilience among this vulnerable population. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of PFA in alleviating dignity-related distress, reducing social frailty, and bolstering psychological resilience among institutionalized elders. By addressing these intertwined psychosocial factors, the research aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in care settings