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Helen Kornfeld, PsyD, is a 2024 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee

Melissa Kennedy, PhD, Committee Chair

Dana Waters, PsyD, Committee Member

Michael Sakuma, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

loneliness, social isolation, purpose in life, psychological safety, community-dwelling, older adults, Polyvagal Theory, quasi-experimental

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Objectives: The 65 and older population is a growing population in the US. In this population there can be marked increases in isolation, loneliness, and depression. Polyvagal Theory holds that a greater sense of safety, security, and sense of engagement improves well-being. A key hypothesis stated that participation will lower self-report ratings of loneliness. Additional hypotheses included improving self-reported purpose in life and feelings of psychological safety.

Methods/Design: The present dissertation is a quasi-experimental design, utilizing pre- and post-test measures comparing degree of loneliness, depression, purpose in life (PIL), and Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) in a 6-week novel somatic-based intervention.

Results: Sample consisted of 13 community-dwelling older adults (aged

Conclusion: This novel intervention contributes to an overall body of research in Polyvagal Theory practice and development of polyvagal interventions targeted at the specific community of adults 65 and older.

Comments

Helen Kornfeld, PsyD, 2024

ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0002-5325-0006

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