Reminiscence group therapy with elderly institutionalized clients

Rattenbury, Christine Ruth (1987) Reminiscence group therapy with elderly institutionalized clients. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

A controlled pre-post research design was used to test whether reminiscence group therapy had unique effects which were particularly beneficial to the psychological well-being of elderly institutionalized adults (the reminiscence model) or whether the social interactions of a discussion group was the factor responsible for any benefits observed in psychological well-being (the social interaction model). Also investigated was the question of whether improved psychological well-being generalized to better mood, higher activity level and more positive activity on the ward. Finally, the question of whether greater participation in the therapy group led to greater improvement in psychological well-being was studied. Twenty-four subjects were selected from St. Luke 's Home in St. John's Nfld. and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a reminiscence treatment group; a treatment control group focussing on current topics; and a no-treatment control group. Eight 30-minute therapy sessions were held for subjects in groups one and two at the rate of two sessions per week. Results showed a significant improvement in psychological well-being in both treatment groups whereas there was no improvement for the control group. Mood was also significantly improved in both treatment groups. Higher activity levels and improved ward behavior were not found as a result of either intervention. A significant correlation was found between greater group participation and greater psychological well-being. Results were interpreted as supporting the social interaction model. Reminiscence group therapy was not found to have uniquely beneficial effects; rather, a discussion group of either format was found to be an effective method of increasing psychological well-being in elderly institutionalized adults.

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