The Incidence of biblotherapy on the emotional state of the elderly

Abstract

Bibliotherapy has evolved as a supportive method for individuals facing physical, emotional, or family disorders. A notable example is hospitalized patients, where bibliotherapy has been used as a form of rehabilitation since World War II, especially with soldiers suffering from war-related injuries. In the case of older adults, this practice has shown benefits over time, requiring consistency and precise evaluation for effective development. It provides a space for emotional growth and the generation of new ideas. The general objective of the article is to establish bibliotherapy workshops to improve the emotional state of older adults in the Fundación Social Cristo Rey program. The study is based on a descriptive approach with a mixed methodology. To achieve this, information analysis in the bibliographic review and the analytical-synthetic method were employed. Surveys were conducted with the 30 older adults and interviews with specialists through questionnaires, followed by the design of actions. The implementation of the bibliotherapy program at Fundación Social Cristo Rey significantly improves the emotional state of older adults, reducing anxiety and depression, increasing well-being and personal satisfaction, and fostering socialization and coping strategies.