The effects of a magic‐based intervention on self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, and quality of life among community‐dwelling older adults: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background Magic‐based programs have been utilised to enhance well‐being across various health aspects. However, there is a lack of studies on whether performing magic tricks can provide mental health benefits for older adults living in the community. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of a magic‐based intervention program on self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL), and to examine the relationship between these factors in older adults. Methods Thirty‐eight participants, aged 60–90 years, were randomly assigned to either a magic intervention group or a control group. The magic intervention program, tailored for older adults, was conducted for 90 min, twice weekly, over 6 weeks. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSE), the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF scores were measured and analyzed in both groups before and after the intervention. Results The magic‐based intervention significantly increased self‐esteem and reduced depressive symptoms in older adults, with large effect sizes. However, no significant impact on QOL was observed. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between the improvement in self‐esteem and the reduction in depressive levels. Despite this, a moderate but significant negative correlation was detected between the post‐intervention scores of RSE and GDS‐15 in the magic intervention group. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the magic intervention program was beneficial in promoting mental health in community‐dwelling older adults. Implementing magic programs in communities appears to be an effective approach to enhance self‐esteem and alleviate depressive symptoms in the older population.

Authoritarian Parenting and Social Anxiety: The Moderating Role of Self-esteem, Introversion and Religious Coping

“…Self-esteem Self-esteem is a valid concept in clinical, mental developmental, and Introversion psychology (Beidel, 1995). Research shared a result that self-esteem becomes very poor and weak during early youth while on the other hand it becomes very high and increases in the age of adulthood (Tsai, 2001;Wang, 2023). Moreover, the feeling of self-esteem enhances the ability of protection, security, confidence, and feeling of self-worth (Brown et al 2001;Wang, 2023).…”

“…Research shared a result that self-esteem becomes very poor and weak during early youth while on the other hand it becomes very high and increases in the age of adulthood (Tsai, 2001;Wang, 2023). Moreover, the feeling of self-esteem enhances the ability of protection, security, confidence, and feeling of self-worth (Brown et al 2001;Wang, 2023). Early age of adolescents is a key age for the development and nourishment of self-esteem and selfconcept.…”

Protective roles of meditation practice and self‐esteem on cognitive functions over time: findings from the Midlife in the United States study

“…19 Self-esteem is the subjective perception of individuals' self-view that may bring mixed effects on well-being (Wang et al, 2023). [20][21][22] Although selfesteem is generally found to remain stable in adults (e.g., Wagner et al, 2015), 23 feelings of self-esteem tend to show both inter-individual and intra-individual variability. 24,25 Individuals' sense of purpose in life, 26 experiences of stress, 21 and overall quality of life 27 may be influenced by self-esteem.…”