Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect happiness perception training combined with emotional release therapy in patients with post-stroke depression, so as to provide reference for the rehabilitation of these patients. Methods: Using convenience sampling method, 74 patients with post-stroke depression hospitalized in neurology department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Anhui province from January to May 2023 were recruited as the control group, and 65 patients with post-stroke depression hospitalized from June to October 2023 were included in observation group for prospective study. The control group received routine nursing care, while the observation group received a happiness perception combined with emotional release therapy on the basis of the routine nursing care. The psychological resilience and cognitive emotion regulation ability of patients were evaluated using the CD-RISC and CERQ before intervention and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 3 months after intervention. Negative emotion was evaluated by HAMD, and the self-care ability of daily life was assessed by Bathel Index (BI). Results: After 8 weeks and 3 months of intervention, the scores of optimism and self-reliance and total score of CD-RISC in observation group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The HAMD scores after 8 weeks and 3 months of intervention were lower in observation group than those in control group (P<0.05). The self-blame score of CERQ in observation group after 3 months of intervention was lower while the positive refocus score was higher compared to control group (P<0.05). After 3 months of intervention, the BI score in observation group was higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Happiness perception training combined with emotional release therapy can relieve the depression degree, enhance the psychological resilience and cognitive emotion regulation ability, and promote the daily living ability in patients with post-stroke depression.

Key words: happiness perception training; emotional release therapy; post-stroke depression; psychological resilience; cognitive emotion regulation ability