The effectiveness of emotion-oriented approaches on psychological outcomes and cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Background Emotion-oriented approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in the care of the elderly. However, related studies have reported conflicting results. We aimed to explore the pooled effect of emotion-oriented approaches on the psychological outcomes and cognitive function of older adults through a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods We searched eight databases – CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science – for RCTs from inception to 11 January 2024. Participants aged 60 years or older who received emotion-oriented approaches as the intervention, and reported outcomes of interest in the studies were included. The primary outcome was psychological outcomes (depression, self-esteem, life satisfaction and loneliness), and the secondary outcome was global cognitive function. The pooled effect size was computed in comprehensive meta-analysis 3.0 software using Hedges' g (g) with random-effects model. Furthermore, heterogeneity was assessed through Cochrane's Q and I2 tests. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. To explore potential sources of heterogeneity, moderator analyses were conducted. Results We included 37 RCTs and found that emotion-oriented approaches improve depression (g = −0.82, 95% CI = −1.08, −0.56), self-esteem (g = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.31, 1.64), life satisfaction (g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.88), loneliness (g = −2.22, 95% CI = −3.80, −0.64) and global cognitive function (g = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19, 0.49) in older adults. We also observed significant follow-up effects on depression (g = −1.40, 95% CI = −2.45, −0.34) and loneliness (g = −3.48, 95% CI = 6.02, −0.94). Conclusions Emotion-oriented approaches are promising interventions in improving psychological outcomes and global cognitive function in older adults. Health care workers should receive training to promote and integrate emotion-oriented approaches into routine care of older adults emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts among health care professionals and caregivers to ensure holistic care delivery.