The effects of reminiscence in promoting mental health of Taiwanese elderly

Int J Nurs Stud. 2005 Jan;42(1):31-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.05.010.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of reminiscence on four selected mental health indicators, including depressive symptoms, mood status, self-esteem, and self-health perception of elderly people residing in community care facilities and at home. A longitudinal quasi-experimental design was conducted, using two equivalent groups for pre-post test and purposive sampling with random assignment. Each subject was administered pre- and post- tests at a 4 month interval but subjects in the experimental group underwent weekly intervention. Ninety-four subjects completed the study, with 48 in the control group and 46 in the experimental group. In the experimental group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.041) was found between the pre-post tests on the dependent variable, depressive symptoms. However, no statistical significance was found in subjects' level of mood status, self-esteem, and self-health perception after the intervention in the experimental group, but slightly improvement was found. Reminiscence not only supports depression of the elderly but also empower nurses to become proactive in their daily nursing care activities.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Depressive Disorder / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Self Concept
  • Taiwan