The effect of a resourcefulness-based instrumental reminiscence program for nursing home residents: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effect of a resourcefulness-based instrumental reminiscence program (RIRP) for nursing home residents.

Methods: This study was a mixed-methods study with one-group pretest-posttest design. The RIRP incorporated Emotional Venting, Reconstruction Strategies, Planning for Future, and Strengthening Support. It was performed once a week for 6 weeks. A post-intervention interview was conducted to explore participants' perception of the RIRP and quantitative data about psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, social support, self-efficacy, and quality of life were collected.

Results: 40 participants completed the RIRP with an 88.9% intervention compliance rate. 92.5% participants satisfied with the RIRP. A significant improvement was identified in psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, self-efficacy, social support, and mental health in nursing home residents after the RIRP. Qualitative results identified three prominent categories: innovation, benefits, and challenges.

Conclusion: The innovative RIRP is a feasible intervention in potentially improving psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, self-efficacy, social support, and mental health of nursing home residents.

Trial registration: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/). Identifier: ChiCTR2100042767. Date of trial Registration: 28/01/2021.

Keywords: Instrumental reminiscence; Learned resourcefulness; Nursing home; Older adult; Psychological adjustment.