Evaluating the Role of Rehabilitation Counseling in Promoting Mental Health of Older Adults After Disasters: A Scoping Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran

2 Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Disasters can have significant psychological consequences for older adults, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to their specific physical, psychological, and social conditions, older adults are more vulnerable to these effects compared to other age groups. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of counseling and psychosocial interventions, particularly rehabilitation counseling, in reducing psychological symptoms among older adults following disasters.
Methods: This study is a scoping review of international research on psychosocial interventions for older adults in post-disaster contexts. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, as well as targeted searches in Google Scholar, using an initial search strategy covering the years 2000 to 2025. Data were extracted from studies addressing various intervention approaches such as supportive counseling, psychotherapy, social support, and innovative methods like horticultural therapy and culturally adapted traditional interventions.
Findings: Findings indicated that most interventions—especially rehabilitation counseling and social support—were effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, several innovative approaches demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing the quality of life of older adults.
Conclusion: Counseling and psychosocial interventions play a crucial role in promoting the mental health of older adults after disasters. However, further clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are needed to assess the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of these interventions. Given the heightened vulnerability of older adults, disaster preparedness and response policies should prioritize this population, and the development of standardized rehabilitation counseling protocols for older adults is essential to mitigate the psychological impacts of disasters

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Rehabilitation Counseling
Volume 1, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
November 2025
Pages 165-174

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 October 2025
  • Publish Date: 23 September 2025

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