Emotion Regulation Treatment to Enhance Active Aging in Older Adults with Affective Distress: A Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a five-session version of the transdiagnostic Unified Protocol adapted for older adults with emotional distress and impaired functional activity. In Phase 1, the therapist-delivered treatment was adapted for this population. In Phase 2, 16 older adults with emotional distress and impairments in functioning were randomly assigned to either a Self-Guided or Therapist-Delivered version of the 5-session protocol. Assessments were conducted after one week and one month. The intervention was feasible, with participants in the therapist-delivered group expressing significantly higher treatment satisfaction (Cohen's d_{1_week} = 2.08; d_{1_month} =2.00). Both groups showed improvement in functioning (d = 3.11), with no significant differences between conditions. Emotional distress decreased significantly (d _anxiety =1.14; d _depression =0.81) with no condition differences. Physical activity showed modest gains (ds = 0.17-0.18). These findings support the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the adapted intervention. The UP-ST-5 may be a promising intervention for older adults, with the self-guided version offering a scalable option.