Predictors of Outcomes for Older Adults Participating in Calmer Life, a Culturally Tailored Intervention for Anxiety

ABSTRACTObjective: Determine predictors of reduced worry and anxiety for older adults participating in the pilot phase of Calmer Life, a modular, personalized cognitive-behavioral treatment for worry.Methods: Underserved adults (N = 54) over age 50 participated. Therapists were either experts (Ph.D. or Master’s) or nonexpert providers (case managers, community health workers, and bachelor’s level). Participants completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire—Abbreviated (PSWQ-A) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory—Short Form (GAI-SF) before treatment and at 3 months.Results: Demographic and clinical variables were individually entered into separate regression equations, controlling for pretreatment scores, to determine their associations with post-treatment 1) PSWQ-A and 2) GAI-SF scores. Only younger age and African American race were significant (p < .05) univariate predictors of higher post-treatment PSWQ-A scores. African American race was also a significant predictor of higher post-treatment GAI-SF scor...