Effects of Photo Therapy on Self-esteem, Ego Identity, and Socialization in Middle-aged Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of photo therapy on self-esteem, ego identity, and social skills in middle-aged individuals with developmental disabilities. Methods : Five participants with developmental disabilities living in the community and using welfare center services, who were middle-aged persons with developmental disabilities residing in Area D, received photo therapy for eight 60-minute sessions once a week. For the compare pre- and post- intervention, the Rosenberg Self-Estem Scale (RSES), the Ego Identity Scale (EIS), and the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) were used. Data were analyzed pre- and post-test using SPSS paired samples non-parametric test. Results : The pre-post comparison of self-esteem, ego identity, and social skills after the photo therapy intervention showed an average improvement of 5 points in self-esteem, with a significant change (p<.05). Socialization scores improved 6 points, but the change was not statistically significant. Self-esteem went from 81.80 to 79.60 and socialization went from 73.40 to 79.40, which is not statistically significant. Conclusion : The present study demonstrated the short-term effects of applying photo therapy to middle-aged people with developmental disabilities to improve self-esteem. This study suggests that the application of photo therapy intervention in occupational therapy can be used as an intervention method for middle-aged people with developmental disabilities as a positive experience of self-esteem and social interaction.