Comparison of the effects of performing hard work well-based and enjoyment-based memories in reminiscence therapy on the quality of reminiscence in older people: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: This study sought to examine whether reminiscence therapy based on memories of hard work is more effective than reminiscence therapy based on memories of enjoyment for promoting positive reminiscence (i.e., quality of reminiscence) associated with the prevention or reduction of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older people.

Methods: The participants were 26 community-dwelling older people (three men and 23 women) aged 65 or older who attended an elder citizens' club and a salon. Participants were randomly assigned to either the reminiscence therapy based on memories of hard work (recalling things they thought they did well in the past) group or the reminiscence therapy based on memories of enjoyment group. In both groups, the sessions lasted 30-50 min each, once a week, for 4 weeks. For assessment, we used the Positive and Negative Reminiscence Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale 15, and the Life Satisfaction Index Z. Analysis of covariance using Bayesian statistics was conducted using the amount of change in each scale as the objective variable.

Results: There was a significant difference between groups in the change in Positive Reminiscence Scale scores (expected a posteriori = -1.87, β = -0.23, t = -2.28, 95% Bayesian confidence interval = [-3.45, -0.26], P (b > 0) (which was calculated as the probability that the coefficient (b) was greater than zero) = 0.01), suggesting a small-to-moderate effect in the reminiscence therapy based on memories of enjoyment group compared with the reminiscence therapy based on memories of hard work group.

Conclusions: The results suggested that reminiscence therapy based on memories of enjoyment may promote more positive reminiscence among community-dwelling older people than therapy based on memories of hard work.