The impact of an intergenerational service learning program on psychological distress for homebound older adults
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Department/School
Social Work
Publication Title
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
Abstract
This study examined the benefits of an intergenerational home-based service learning program to reduce psychological distress for homebound older adults. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with a sample of 182 to examine the association of length of service from the program and presence of caregivers with psychological distress. Findings indicated length of service (β = -0.15, p < .05) and having a child as a caregiver (β = -0.14, p < .05) were associated with a reduction in psychological distress. Policies and practice can support a pipeline of geriatric health professionals through innovative service learning models to benefit older adults, caregivers, and students.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Chan, K. T., Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., Ratnayake, M., Kaplan, D. B., Voet, K. A., Riemenschneider, M., & Graves, J. (2025). The impact of an intergenerational service learning program on psychological distress for homebound older adults. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 68(1), 61–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2024.2373290
Comments
C. N. Marsack-Topolewski and J. Graves are faculty members in EMU's School of Social Work.