Date of Award
2014
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Cynthia A. Grapczynski
Abstract
Objective: The present systematic review attempts to investigate the efficacy of both life review and reminiscence therapy interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. This review also attempts to clearly define each intervention; thereby determining which type of therapy was actually performed in previous research studies.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three databases: CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and pertinent variables were extracted for data analysis.
Results: In all six articles, the reminiscence therapy or life review intervention was found to be effective in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. Of the two studies that collected follow-up data, effects of the interventions were maintained at three months. Two out of the three studies that utilized a life review intervention were conducted on an individual basis, while all three studies that utilized a reminiscence therapy intervention were conducted in a group setting.
Conclusion: Life review and reminiscence therapy were both found to be effective interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. These interventions are appropriate for use in occupational therapy practice, as occupational therapists are well-equipped to treat the psychosocial needs of individuals.
ScholarWorks Citation
Zuiderveen, Allison P.; Ivey, Caitlin M.; and Dordan, Sarah A., "Encouraging Occupation: A Systematic Review of the Use of Life Review and Reminiscence: Therapy for the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults" (2014). Older Adult. 5.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_older_adult/5
