Structured reminiscence: an intervention to decrease depression and increase self‐transcendence in older women

Abstract

One of the primary modalities used for the treatment of depression in elderly women is medication. Antidepressant medications lead to harmful side effects without alleviating the underlying depression. For these reasons, there is a need to research alternative therapies for treatment of depression in the older female. Reminiscence offers a possible intervention for treatment of depression in older women.

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: The effectiveness and older people’s experiences

“…Previous studies support Erikson's theory that older people can achieve the ego-integrity stage by recalling and evaluating past events (Djukanović et al, 2016;Sharif et al, 2010;Wang, 2005). A study that reported a reduction of depression after a six-week intervention supports group RT as a useful intervention in reducing depression (Stinson & Kirk, 2006). On the other hand, Emery (2002) used Erikson's theory to guide RT and spiritual reminiscence therapy (SRT) with 35 assisted living residents; however, no significant differences in anxiety and depression were found.…”

“…It can be seen that previous studies employing small sample sizes ranging from 24 to 40 participants reported no significant results (Chao et al, 2006;Duyan et al, 2016;Emery, 2002;Haslam et al, 2013;Liu et al, 2007;Stinson & Kirk, 2006). Adequately powered RCTs may be a more suitable design to determine the effectiveness of RT.…”

“…In comparison to social identity theory, Erikson's theory is the most common theory used in RT studies. Erikson's theory argues RT is useful to assist older people deal with their past life events and to prevent them from developing despair and frustration (Djukanović et al, 2016;Sharif et al, 2010;Stinson & Kirk, 2006;Wang et al, 2005). However, Emery's (2002) study used…”

“…Similarly, previous studies showed a lack of a consistent established link with significant findings (Djukanović et al, 2016;Sharif et al, 2010;Shellman et al, 2009;Wang, 2005). Further, Stinson and Kirk (2006) used Erikson's theory to design the study but did not link the non-significant findings with the theory. However, studies that linked their findings with a chosen theory (Haslam et al, 2010;Haslam et al, 2013) suggested that social identification based on social identity theory in the group activities resulted in positive improvements in reducing anxiety and depression (Haslam et al, 2010;Haslam et al, 2013).…”

“…Reminiscence therapy can be structured or unstructured, and conducted in a group or individual setting (Stinson & Kirk, 2006). Reminiscence is known as reminiscence therapy when it involves communication between two or more individuals and the achievement of certain goals based on individuals needs.…”