Behavioural Activation: A Comparative Study Among Youngsters and Elders in Kerala State of India

Behavioural Activation is an evidence-based intervention, which improves mental health by encouraging engagement in purposeful and value-driven activities by breaking the processes of avoidance and inactivity. The study reported in this article was undertaken in Kerala State of India among a randomly selected sample of 50 youngsters in the age group of 20 to 40 years and 50 elders aged more than 60 years using a questionnaire containing the measure of behavioural activation, the level of health problems faced during the past one month, and whether practiced yoga or meditation during the past one month. The results indicate statistically significant difference in behavioural activation scores of youngsters and elders, with the former group having a higher score, indicating more behavioural activation than elders. This implies that younger individuals are more engaged in purposeful and rewarding activities than elders. When compared to elders, youngsters have higher and statistically significant scores for 6 out of 7 behavioural activation items, namely, being content with the amount and type of things which one does, engaging in a wide and diverse array of activities, making good decisions about what type of activities and/or situations one puts himself /herself in, being active and accomplishing goals one sets out to do, doing even hard things since they fit in with long-term goals in life, and structuring one’s daily activities. Youngsters who reported no health problems during the past one month have the highest behavioural activation score, while those with less as well as moderate health problems have statistically significant lower scores. All the elders reported moderate level of health problems during the past one month. Youngsters who reported practicing yoga or meditation during the past one month have higher behavioural activation scores than those who have not practiced them, with statistically significant difference in the scores. This supports the fact that contemplative and self-regulation practices such as yoga enhance engagement, motivation, and psychological flexibility. In contrast, none of the elders in the study reported such practices, possibly contributing to their relatively lower behavioural activation scores. The findings of this study underscore the importance of encouraging structured, meaningful activities and health-promoting behaviours across age groups. For elders in particular, interventions targeting health management, social participation, and mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, art of living etc. may help to mitigate probable reduction in behavioural activation and improve the quality of life.