The psychologist in the community: report of virtual intervention proposal with the elderly

Abstract

This work aims to contribute to studies of Community Social Psychology through the report of a proposal for virtual psychological intervention and monitoring, constructed by the authors for care with non-institutionalized elderly people. Considering Positive Psychology and having as a background COVID-19 pandemic, the proposal was drawn up and implemented in 2021 during the scenario of restrictive social contact measures imposed on the elderly, giving attention to the limitations of ones in dealing with digital technology and intervention needs. Performed by three PUC Minas psychology trainees under the supervision of a professor in the program Psychologist in the Community, the implementation of the actions took place virtually in a philanthropic, catholic religious social institution, based in Belo Horizonte city – MG, Brazil, together with 54 elderly women. In all, 14 encounters were held through WhatsApp, with scripts drawn up according to demands presented and using videos available on the internet. The scripts excelled in the delicacy, seeking, in addition to intellectual construction, the appreciation of experiences, the elaboration of affections, the sensitive treatment of demands. The results indicate the establishment of the therapeutic link, the affectation of the team and the target audience, the assertiveness of the proposal and its relevance, suggesting that the proposal can be implemented with other groups in online service.