The effects of reminiscence therapy on psychological well-being, depression, and loneliness among the institutionalized aged.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of reminiscence therapy on psychological well-being, depression, and loneliness among institutionalized elderly people.


METHODS
In an experimental study design, 92 institutionalized elderly people aged 65 years and over were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. Those participants in the experimental group received reminiscence therapy eight times during 2 months to examine the effects of this therapy on their psychological well-being.


RESULTS
After providing the reminiscence therapy to the elderly in the experimental group, a significant positive short-term effect (3 months follow-up) on depression, psychological well-being, and loneliness, as compared to those in the comparison group was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Reminiscence therapy in this study sample improved socialization, induced feelings of accomplishment in participants, and assisted to ameliorate depression.
Chiang
Kai-Jo
KJ
Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Chu
Hsin
H
Chang
Hsiu-Ju
HJ
Chung
Min-Huey
MH
Chen
Chung-Hua
CH
Chiou
Hung-Yi
HY
Chou
Kuei-Ru
KR
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan