Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial: Effect of a Psycho-educational Intervention Programme for Comprehensive Preparation for Retirement and the New Phase of Life

Background: The transition to retirement can be a challenging event, necessitating the adjustment of new routines, roles and expectations. Such modifications have the potential to impact the individual's quality of life and psychosocial well-being. t is of the utmost importance to develop intervention programmes that prepare people for retirement, with the objective of facilitating a positive and healthy transition. Methods: A parallel randomised controlled clinical trial with two arms will be conducted. The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Salamanca (USAL) in Spain. The study will recruit individuals aged 60 years or older who are already retired or who will retire within the next five years. The participants will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG), which will undergo a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention programme, and the control group (CG), which will engage in a controlled follow-up. The programme will comprise 12 sessions over a period of three months. All participants will be assessed at the outset and conclusion of the study, as well as after three months, during which time data regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and responses to the following scales will be collected: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Retirement Attitudes Scale (EAJ), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Questionnaire of Stereotypes towards Old Age (CENVE), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), the MOS Questionnaire of Perceived Social Support (MOS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (EAG) and the Self-Regulation Scale (EAR). Discussion: The objective of this study is to enhance the comprehension and implementation of intervention programmes in anticipation of retirement and the subsequent phase of life. To this end, a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention is proposed, with the aim of improving quality of life and attitudes towards retirement, increasing life satisfaction, psychological flexibility, perceived social support and general health, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and reducing stereotypes about ageing. The programme is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to retirement.