Impact of Regression Anchoring on Self-Esteem, Psychological Distress, and Resilience in Older Adults
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Issued Date: 19th June 2026
Published Date: 30th June 2026
Author Affiliations:
Aditi Kaushik
Monisha Agrawal
Sangeetha Shankar
Varshanjali Asthana
Abstract:
The process of ageing is often accompanied by physical, psychological and social shifts for an individual. While these challenges are extensively focused upon in research, evidence for interventions of coping remains limited. Older adults may often experience lower self-esteem due to loss of previously held societal roles. They may also be prone to psychological distress, specifically, anxiety, depression and stress due to loss of a spouse, loved one, financial difficulties or the “feeling of being a burden.” This may, in turn, impact their resilience, leading to a loss of hope in the future, lowering their ability to bounce back from adversities. This study thus discussed the impact of regression anchoring, a technique grounded in Neuro-Linguistics Programming’s (NLP) anchoring. The sample population for this study consisted of 137 older adults from different cities in India, who participated in the intervention, employing sensory cues to anchor emotional states from positive events of the past. Pre and Post-Intervention assessments measured self-esteem, Psychological Distress (depression, stress and anxiety), and resilience. Results indicated a significant rise in resilience and self-esteem and a significant reduction in depression, stress and anxiety among the participants. These findings indicate that Regression Anchoring effectively boosts self-esteem and resilience in older adults while mitigating the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The study underscores the need for more interventional studies that may help develop coping strategies and interventions for older adults. Further research is recommended with diverse populations to explore the long-term impact and scalability of this technique.
Keywords:
Regression Anchoring · Self-Esteem · Resilience · Psychological Distress · Stress · Anxiety · Depression · NLP
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