ACCEPTABILITY OF A BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION INTERVENTION FOR FUNCTIONING IN OLDER VETERANS - Poster - Aging in Place

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya

Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for depression and a promising transdiagnostic approach for supporting functioning. A brief BA protocol was adapted to improve physical, cognitive, and social functioning in older Veterans at risk for decline. An open pilot tested acceptability with 10 Veterans (age ≥65), completing a 6-session telehealth BA intervention and assessments, plus semi-structured interviews. Most participants found telehealth convenient; satisfaction was high; values alignment and practical skills supported ongoing activity engagement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2817

Behavioral activation and adaptation

Open pilot design and participants

Acceptability findings and participant feedback

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 831 for functioning is acceptable, values-aligned, and perceived as effective among older Veterans. SESSION 7300 (POSTER) AGING IN PLACE Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2817 ACCEPTABILITY OF A BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION INTERVENTION FOR FUNCTIONING IN OLDER VETERANS Meaghan Kennedy1, Sydney Ruggles1, Christina Cardwell2, Anastasia Canell1, Jaye McLaren3, Kathleen Lyons4, Jonathan Bean5, and Megan Kelly6, 1. VA Bedford Health Care System, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States, 2. Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 3. VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States, 4. Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 5. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 6. University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for depression that also shows promise as a transdiagnostic intervention to support functioning. We adapted a brief BA protocol to improve physical, cognitive, and social functioning in older Veterans at risk for decline. In this study, we conducted an open pilot to assess acceptability of the adapted intervention among 10 older (age ≥65) Veterans at risk for functional decline (Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 score ≥3) . Participants completed a 6-session telehealth-delivered BA intervention, baseline and post-intervention assessments, and a semi-structured interview based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Interviews were analyzed by two researchers using rapid qualitative analysis. Participants had a mean age of 79.6 years (range 69-88) and 80% were male. Nine participants completed all 6 intervention sessions and follow-up assessments; one withdrew after the second session. Mean satisfaction on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was 26.9±3.7 (on a scale of 8-32) . Participants found the telehealth format convenient and the length and frequency appropriate. The content was highly aligned with participants’ values and what mattered most to them. While most participants found value in tracking their activities, others found it tedious and recommended simplifying the process. The intervention helped participants stay organized, set goals, and break tasks into parts; increased their motivation and helped them refocus on valued activities; and provided them with skills they will continue to use to support activity engagement. Our study suggests that a brief telehealth-delivered BA intervention

FAQs

What intervention was adapted for older Veterans in this study?

The study adapted a brief behavioral activation (BA) protocol to improve physical, cognitive, and social functioning for older Veterans at risk for decline.

How was acceptability assessed?

Acceptability was evaluated through baseline and post-intervention assessments and semi-structured interviews guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

What did participants report about telehealth delivery?

Participants generally found the telehealth format convenient, and they reported that the length and frequency were appropriate.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya