Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Developing Schema-Informed Life Skills Training Program and Its Impact on Loneliness, Resilience, Social Isolation, and Life Purpose among Retired Men

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Nikakhtar 1
Ahmad Borjali 2
Zohreh Rafezi 3
Abolghasem Isamorad 3
Mohammad Asgari 2
1 Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
10.48308/apsy.2026.242476.1934
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to develop a schema-based noncognitive life-skills- optimism, conscientiousness, control, emotional stability, and perseverance- training program on loneliness, resilience, social isolation, and life purpose among retired men.
Method: This study employed a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, the training program was developed using theoretical literature and expert feedback. In the quantitative phase, a mixed repeated-measures design was applied. The statistical population consisted of 700000 male retirees aged 50–75 who were members of retirement associations in Tehran during February and March 2025. Based on GPower calculations, 34 participants were selected through purposive sampling from retirement centers and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention was carried out in spring 2025. Instruments included the Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003), the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau & Cutrona, 1980), the Social Isolation Scale (Nicholson, Feinn, Casey & Dixon, 2020), and the Purpose in Life Scale (Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964). Data were analyzed using mixed-design multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures.
Results: The findings indicated that the schema-based life-skills program led to increased resilience (p = 0.001), purpose in life (p < 0.001), and reduced loneliness (p = 0.002) at the posttest. However, it did not produce a significant change in social isolation. These effects maintained at follow-up assessment.
Conclusion: The results suggest that this educational program can serve as an effective approach for enhancing psychological well-being and improving adjustment during retirement.
Keywords
Loneliness
Noncognitive
Purpose
Retirement
Subjects
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