Movement therapy with the aged.

This study examined effect of participation in a movement therapy group on morale and self-esteem in a population of institutionalized aged persons. Control group subjects participated in the usual treatment program at the nursing home, and experimental group subjects participated in a series of movement therapy sessions. Scores on morale and self-esteem scales were used to compare differences between the groups. Movement therapy group members demonstrated greater improvement in total morale and attitudes toward their own aging. Findings from the study contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing science as well as to gerontological theory development by further defining types of activities which are compatible with successful aging and by providing empirical support for specific nursing interventions.