Reminiscence Therapy and Music With Older Adults: A Descriptive Study Investigating the Current Views and Practices of Australian Aged Care Providers and Volunteers

Reminiscence therapy and music are often used to improve the wellbeing of older people; however, we do not know how these interventions are used in practice. This study explored how those working with older people view and use verbal Reminiscence Therapy (VRT) and Music-assisted Reminiscence Therapy (MRT). A total of 110 participants who worked or volunteered with older people in Australia were surveyed in this descriptive, mixed-method study. VRT and MRT were frequently and spontaneously used to respond to the varied needs of older adults. VRT and MRT lead to reported positive outcomes including better care practices, positive affect and mood, and improved social connections. MRT was used as a compensatory strategy when traditional VRT was not possible. This study describes the current practices of VRT and MRT, and an overview of how reminiscence-based approaches are used in Australia to address the health and wellbeing of older people.

Reminiscence interventions for loneliness reduction in older adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review the use of reminiscence interventions in the reduction of loneliness in older adults by categorising the interventions by type, and comparing their effectiveness and methodological quality.

METHOD

This is a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. The search was restricted to studies published in the Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, Psycarticles, Psycinfo, and PubMed databases until December 2022. The inclusion criteria for the studies included in this review were: 1) reminiscence intervention 2) loneliness outcome measure 3) adults over 60 years old 4) experimental, pre-experimental, and quasi-experimental studies.

RESULTS

A total of twelve studies were eligible for inclusion. Only nine studies included a control group, and seven of those report significant effectiveness in reducing loneliness levels. The most popular type of intervention is simple reminiscence and life review, and in-group format. The interventions to date have been very heterogeneous, and the methodological quality of the existing literature is moderate to weak.

CONCLUSION

While reminiscence interventions hold some promise for reducing loneliness levels among older adults, future methodologically rigorous research is required, and standardised protocols need to be developed for application, with the specific aim of reducing levels of loneliness among older adults.

A qualitative study of a Sporting Memories program in South Australia: belonging, participation, and social connection

Background

Older people can experience health and social challenges such as loneliness, depression, and lack of social connectedness. There is need for programs and approaches that address the growing incidence of social isolation and loneliness for older people. One initiative that aims to address these challenges is the Sporting Memories program. This program was developed in the United Kingdom and licensed to South Australia in 2019. The program is currently delivered across six community locations.

Methods

The aim of this study was to explore participants perspectives of the Sporting Memories program in South Australia. Underpinned by qualitative research, three focus groups were conducted, led by an experienced interviewer. Focus groups occurred at three of the six locations, including a day respite center, assisted living center and a government community center. The data were analyzed thematically by the research team.

Results

There were 16 participants over 65 years old, including four women and 12 men. Three key themes were developed: "free to talk about anything," "not feeling left out" and "a chance to share and learn." Collectively, participants reflected on how they built social connections, felt safe and included and learnt more about each other.

Conclusion

The Sporting Memories program provides a group program for older people to come together and develop new friendships. The use of sports as a means of reminiscence was considered relatable for the participants who reported social benefits and plans to keep attending. They valued learning through the program which was enhanced by having a facilitator who was knowledgeable about sport.

Cope PPA-Adaptation of the Biographic-Narrative Approach for Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Protocol for Clinical Trial Design

Persons with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often experience limitations in their quality of life (QoL). Some studies have shown positive effects of speech and language therapy on QoL in persons with PPA. However, there is still a lack of evidence for disorder-specific approaches for this important therapeutic goal. The biographic-narrative approach (narraktiv) has been shown to significantly improve QoL in persons with post-stroke aphasia. In the planned study, the biographic-narrative approach will be adapted for persons with PPA (Cope PPA), and its efficacy will be investigated. First, a focus group interview with five persons with PPA will be conducted to identify the wishes and needs of participants. Based on the results, the narraktiv manual according to Corsten et al. (2015) will be revised. Second, an efficacy study will be conducted according to the new Cope PPA manual with 24 persons with PPA in a waiting group control design. The primary outcome, QoL, will be assessed using questionnaires (Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39) and semistructured interviews. Depressive symptoms, life satisfaction and cognitive/communicative functioning will also be assessed. If Cope PPA proves efficacy, this study may help to improve the treatment of persons with PPA.

How reminiscing about deceased close others together with continuing bonds relates to grief severity and personal growth: a cross-sectional study with bereaved adults

OBJECTIVES

One of the reasons why people engage in reminiscences about their past is to maintain intimacy with deceased close others. Although previous research alerts to the negative effects of reminiscence for intimacy maintenance on mental health, little is known about its relation to individuals' reactions to loss (i.e. grief severity and personal growth). In two samples, we focus on time since loss and continuing bonds, to elucidate the role of reminiscence for intimacy maintenance in grief.

METHOD

The samples comprised 111 and 198 bereaved adults. All participants rated the frequency of reminiscence for intimacy maintenance and loss-related variables, such as time since loss, continuing bonds, and grief severity. Sample 2 additionally completed measures of personal growth, loss-centrality, and their interconnectedness with the deceased.

RESULTS

Reminiscence on intimacy maintenance was positively related to grief severity. This relation was independent of time since loss and partly driven by externalized bonds. Internalized bonds mediated the relation between reminiscence for intimacy maintenance and grief severity (in sample 1) and personal growth (in sample 2).

CONCLUSION

Continuing bonds help explain why reminiscing for intimacy maintenance can be harmful in terms of grief severity but also fosters personal growth after the loss.

Self-Transcendence as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Reminiscence Functions and Death Anxiety: Implications for Psychiatric Nurses

BACKGROUND

Jordan's population of older adults is growing due to improved health care and lifestyle, but the country has limited mental health care resources, causing challenges for the health care system. Reminiscence is a point of nursing intervention and a way for psychiatric nurses to help people improve their mental health by expanding their personal boundaries (self-transcendence).

AIMS

The study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-transcendence on the relationship between reminiscence functions and death anxiety in a sample of Jordanian older adults. Psychiatric nurses can refine reminiscence therapy by targeting aspects of self-transcendence to reduce death anxiety.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was employed to collect the data. A total of 319 older adults participated in the study. The sample was recruited using convenience and snowball sampling strategies through social media and personal contacts.

RESULTS

The reminiscence function of "Bitterness Revival," gender, the presence of a life-threatening disease, a history of psychiatric disorder, and the work sector were statistically significant predictors of death anxiety. This model accounts for 24% of the death anxiety score (F = 7.789, p < .001). Reminiscence functions 1, 2, and 5 predicted self-transcendence. This model explained 25% of the variance in the self-transcendence score (F = 6.548, p < .001). Self-transcendence exerts a positive, partial mediating effect between "Bitterness Revival" and death anxiety, controlling for other covariates in the death anxiety model (p = .016).

CONCLUSIONS

The study is informative for understanding the role of self-transcendence in buffering death anxiety, notwithstanding "Bitterness Revival" reminiscences. This knowledge reveals practical implications for psychiatric nurses about the importance of developing reminiscence interventions to promote self-transcendence and ease death anxiety.

Guided recall of positive autobiographical memories increases anticipated pleasure and psychological resources, and reduces depressive symptoms: a replication and extension of a randomised controlled trial of brief positive cognitive-reminiscence therapy

Reminiscence-based interventions focus on recalling autobiographical memories and reflective reasoning to develop a healthy and adaptive view of oneself and one's life. This study aimed to replicate the effects of a three-session, group-based, positive-memory version of cognitive-reminiscence therapy (CRT) on psychological resources and mental well-being and extend the findings to anticipated pleasure. The participants (N = 75, Mage = 43.7 (SD = 16.7), 60% females) were randomised to CRT or control group. Anticipated pleasure, psychological resources (schemas of positive self-esteem, self-efficacy, meaning in life, optimism), mental well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and theorised change processes (automatic negative thoughts, awareness of narrative identity) were assessed. Relative to the control group, the CRT group reported significantly higher anticipated pleasure (d = 0.76-0.93) and psychological resources of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and optimism (d's = 0.58-0.99) at post-CRT and follow-up, and lower depressive symptoms post-CRT and at follow-up (d = 0.56-0.67). Findings on meaning in life and negative automatic thinking were partially replicated. This study replicates findings of the effectiveness of this intervention for improving psychological resources such as self-worth, confidence and optimism and depressive symptoms, and indicates additional effects on anticipated pleasure. CRT may serve as a standalone intervention, or as an adjunct "memory booster" for interventions focused on future thinking and related anticipated reward.

Psychological therapies for depression in older adults residing in long-term care settings

BACKGROUND

Depression is common amongst older people residing in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Currently, most residents treated for depression are prescribed antidepressant medications, despite the potential availability of psychological therapies that are suitable for older people and a preference amongst many older people for non-pharmacological treatment approaches.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of psychological therapies for depression in older people living in LTC settings, in comparison with treatment as usual, waiting list control, and non-specific attentional control; and to compare the effectiveness of different types of psychological therapies in this setting.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, five other databases, five grey literature sources, and two trial registers. We performed reference checking and citation searching, and contacted study authors to identify additional studies. The latest search was 31 October 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of any type of psychological therapy for the treatment of depression in adults aged 65 years and over residing in a LTC facility.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles/abstracts and full-text manuscripts for inclusion. Two review authors independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool. We contacted study authors for additional information where required. Primary outcomes were level of depressive symptomatology and treatment non-acceptability; secondary outcomes included depression remission, quality of life or psychological well-being, and level of anxious symptomatology. We used Review Manager 5 to conduct meta-analyses, using pairwise random-effects models. For continuous data, we calculated standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using endpoint data, and for dichotomous data, we used odds ratios and 95% CIs. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 19 RCTs with 873 participants; 16 parallel group RCTs and three cluster-RCTs. Most studies compared psychological therapy (typically including elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy, reminiscence therapy, or a combination of these) to treatment as usual or to a condition controlling for the effects of attention. We found very low-certainty evidence that psychological therapies were more effective than non-therapy control conditions in reducing symptoms of depression, with a large effect size at end-of-intervention (SMD -1.04, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.58; 18 RCTs, 644 participants) and at short-term (up to three months) follow-up (SMD -1.03, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.56; 16 RCTs, 512 participants). In addition, very low-certainty evidence from a single study with 82 participants indicated that psychological therapy was associated with a greater reduction in the number of participants presenting with major depressive disorder compared to treatment as usual control, at end-of-intervention and short-term follow-up. However, given the limited data on the effect of psychological therapies on remission of major depressive disorder, caution is advised in interpreting this result. Participants receiving psychological therapy were more likely to drop out of the trial than participants receiving a non-therapy control (odds ratio 3.44, 95% CI 1.19 to 9.93), which may indicate higher treatment non-acceptability. However, analyses were restricted due to limited dropout case data and imprecise reporting, and the finding should be interpreted with caution. There was very low-certainty evidence that psychological therapy was more effective than non-therapy control conditions in improving quality of life and psychological well-being at short-term follow-up, with a medium effect size (SMD 0.51, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.82; 5 RCTs, 170 participants), but the effect size was small at postintervention (SMD 0.40, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.82; 6 RCTs, 195 participants). There was very low-certainty evidence of no effect of psychological therapy on anxiety symptoms postintervention (SMD -0.68, 95% CI -2.50 to 1.14; 2 RCTs, 115 participants), although results lacked precision, and there was insufficient data to determine short-term outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy, and reminiscence therapy may reduce depressive symptoms compared with usual care for LTC residents, but the evidence is very uncertain. Psychological therapies may also improve quality of life and psychological well-being amongst depressed LTC residents in the short term, but may have no effect on symptoms of anxiety in depressed LTC residents, compared to control conditions. However, the evidence for these effects is very uncertain, limiting our confidence in the findings. The evidence could be strengthened by better reporting and higher-quality RCTs of psychological therapies in LTC, including trials with larger samples, reporting results separately for those with and without cognitive impairment and dementia, and longer-term outcomes to determine when effects wane.

Reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation for elderly stroke patients: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Although some studies suggest that robot-assisted technology can significantly improve upper limb function in stroke patients compared to traditional rehabilitation training, it is still necessary to incorporate an auxiliary intervention to alleviate negative emotions, thereby alleviating the post-stroke fatigue and encouraging patients to actively respond to rehabilitation. However, the effect of the auxiliary intervention is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation in elderly patients with upper limb dysfunction.

METHODS

From November 2022 to March 2023, elderly patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke were assigned to one of three groups, with group A receiving usual rehabilitation treatment and care plus robot-assisted rehabilitation and reminiscent music therapy, group B receiving usual rehabilitation treatment and care plus robot-assisted rehabilitation, and group C receiving only usual rehabilitation treatment and care. Thirty patients completed this study, with 10 participants in each group. Activities of daily living, self-esteem, rehabilitation self-efficacy, positive emotion and upper limb function were measured before and after the intervention. One-way analysis of variance, paired-sample t-test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

According to the intragroup comparisons, in the three groups, all outcome measurements were significantly higher than those at baseline (all P < 0.05). After the intervention, the differences in the self-management effectiveness, rehabilitation self-efficacy, and positive emotion score were statistically significant among the three groups (all P < 0.05). In accordance with the results of Bonferroni analysis, the self-management effectiveness score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (all P < 0.05). The rehabilitation self-efficacy score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05). The positive emotion score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation is a promising approach to improve rehabilitation self-efficacy and positive emotion, which is evidence that reminiscent music therapy may be an effective auxiliary intervention to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

The mediating role of religion and loneliness on the association between reminiscence functions and depression: a call to advance older adults' mental health

BACKGROUND

Current literature lacks evidence about the relationship between reminiscence functions and depression and the mediating role of clinical constructs such as loneliness and religion. The study aimed to examine the mediating effects of loneliness and religion on the association between reminiscence functions and depression in a sample of older Jordanian adults.

METHODS

An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was employed to collect data from 365 older Jordanian adults. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit participants through social media.

RESULTS

In the depression model, Bitterness Revival and Intimacy Maintenance factors, educational level, and Intrinsic Religiosity were statistically significant predictors of depression. Bitterness Revival and Intimacy Maintenance factors, work sector, and Intrinsic Religiosity were statistically significant predictors of loneliness. Loneliness has a negative, partial mediating effect on Intimacy Maintenance and depression.

CONCLUSION

Depression caused by significant losses in the Arab Jordanian environment might be mitigated by Intimacy Maintenance by reducing feelings of loneliness. Understanding how Intimacy Maintenance correlates with depression through loneliness could help psychiatric nurses develop psychosocial interventions that reduce depression among older adults.

Improved Mental Health, Social Connections and Sense of Self: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Exploring the Impact and Experience of Community Reminiscence Programs

Older people can experience health and social challenges such as loneliness, depression, and lack of social connectedness. One initiative that has been trialed to address these challenges is reminiscence programs. These programs can include music, art, photographs, sports, and general discussion to stimulate memories. This review aimed to systematically search for literature that explored the impact and experience of reminiscence programs for older people living in the community for the purposes of informing community programming. The PICOS framework was used to develop the review parameters and search strategy. Qualitative and quantitative research focused on community-based reminiscence programs were included. Commercially produced databases and grey literature were searched. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program qualitative critical appraisal tool and McMaster quantitative critical appraisal tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Quantitative data were descriptively synthesized, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed, with each reported separately. Twenty-seven studies were included in the review. All quantitative studies (n = 17) provided clear information regarding the purpose, sample size, and justification. The measures adopted were reliable and valid. All studies reported clear data collection/analysis information and statistically significant findings. All qualitative studies (n = 10) clearly articulated a purpose with nine clearly describing recruitment, data collection, and researcher relationship. Synthesis of quantitative data demonstrated positive findings through a reduction in depression, anxiety, and loneliness and improvements in quality of life and mastery. These findings were supported and broadened by qualitative findings with three key themes identified: program processes, program ingredients, and program benefits. Providing opportunities for older adults to come together to tell stories about their past experiences may positively contribute to social outcomes. As reminiscence programs gain popularity, their implementation in practice should be underpinned by clear and reproducible practices.

Evaluation of a culturally adapted reminiscence therapy intervention: Improving mood, family and community connectedness in Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking older adults

Reminiscence therapy (RT) is an evidence-based treatment for alleviating depression and improving life satisfaction among elders, yet less is known about its efficacy in diverse ethnic groups. We report on the evaluation of a cultural adaptation of the RT intervention that combines reminiscence with three innovative elements: including family members in RT; conducting community events for participants to present their artwork and life-story books created during the intervention; and using ethnically matched bilingual community workers. The 12-week intervention with pre- and post-test assessments was completed by 73 Hispanic and 92 Vietnamese elders (mean age  =  75 years; 62% female; mostly foreign-born, with limited English proficiency). Paired t-tests indicated statistically significant improvement in depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Sixty-two percent of participants noted improved relationships with family/friends through improved communication and shared understanding of the participant's life story. Fifty percent of respondents participated in a community event and the qualitative comments noted improved connection with their community through listening to others' life experiences and sharing their own. Participant perceptions of ethnically matched community workers were positive, but several indicated they could work with someone from a different ethnic background. Similar to general RT findings, the culturally adapted RT intervention demonstrated improvement in depression, loneliness, and life satisfaction among elders from two different ethnic backgrounds. Implications for future projects are discussed based on the findings and experience of conducting this intervention.

Transcultural adaptation in translating measurement instruments: Challenges and learned lessons

PURPOSE

In cross-cultural research, there is a need for standard rules for translating research measurement instruments. This article describes the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) translation process from English into Arabic and the rigorous process followed in translating the scale. The process described can serve as a blueprint for translating research instruments for cross-cultural studies and clinical practice.

METHOD

Six integrated steps were used to establish content and semantic equivalences. Six bilingual professional translators participated in the translation project and utilized the Flaherty 3-point scale to assess and rate the translated RFS.

FINDINGS

The difficulties encountered during the study were finding nuanced translation equivalences for Likert scale responses, the translation of phrases and idioms, and logistical issues.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining translation methods is the ideal choice to achieve robust translation.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The proposed translation method for research instruments would assist nurses in appraising prior research's findings, delineating potential effective nursing interventions, and facilitating comparisons of individuals from various cultures and contexts.

An Analysis of Systems of Influences through the Lens of Balanced Time Perspective: A Qualitative Study on a Group of Inmates

To respond to the increasing challenges of the XXI century, career guidance is used as a device to reduce inequalities, to expand the range of opportunities for all people, to deconstruct the stereotypes and the stigmatizations that tend to relegate specific social categories to particular working niches, and to offer people the chance to express their differences and diversities. This study reports the results of research aimed at understanding the dynamics of career construction in people with imprisonment experience through the exploration of their systems of influences; the stories of the inmates were collected using My System of Career Influences (MSCI). In the analysis of the narratives and the systems of influences, the focus was placed on the balanced time perspective as a core dimension to foster career construction and to look at future possibilities. The results show that the participants are mainly focused on the past, and their focus on the present is narrow and seems to represent a moment of stalemate, preventing the possibility for inmates to imagine their future. Suggestions for practical implications of career counseling for inmates are provided, and the knowledge about the temporal orientation of prisoners will enable those who do not show any hope of achieving positive interactions to be reached and provide a higher degree of individualization for social rehabilitation proposals.

[Comparison of digital and conventional life story books on mood, communication, cognition and quality of life in people with dementia in nursing homes: A pilot study]

INTRODUCTION

Person-centered care (PCC) includes life story, a form of reminiscence therapy that can be useful in the treatment of dementia. We compared the efficacy of using a digital or conventional life story book (LSB) on depressive symptoms, communication, cognition, and quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty one persons with dementia living in 2 PCC nursing homes were randomly assigned to receive reminiscence therapy based on the Neural Actions digital LSB (n=16) or a conventional LSB (n=15). Both groups performed 2 weekly sessions of 45min for 5 weeks. Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Cornell scale (CSDD); communication with the Holden scale (HCS), cognition with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and quality of life with the quality of life scale for Alzheimer's (QoL-AD). The results were analyzed using ANOVA of repeated measures with the jamovi 2.3 program.

RESULTS

Both LSB improved communication skills (η2=0.115; p<0.001), with no differences between groups. No effects on quality of life, cognition, or mood were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In PCC centres digital or conventional LSB can be useful in the treatment of people with dementia by facilitating communication. Its role on quality of life, cognition or mood is uncertain.

Comparative effectiveness and acceptability of psychotherapies for late-life depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of psychotherapies for late-life depression.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG database, and Chinese Biomedicine literature (CBM) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their respective inception dates to March 30, 2022. Comparative effectiveness and acceptability of these psychological interventions were evaluated by conducting standard pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 68 studies with 4550 participants on six psychotherapies compared with two control groups were included in the final analysis. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between behavioral activation therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), cognitive therapy, life review therapy, mindfulness, and combined psychotherapy. Compared with the non-active control group, six psychological interventions were statistically effective in reducing depression symptoms (standardized mean differences (SMDs) range, -1.08 to -0.73). While, only CBT, life review therapy, mindfulness, and combined psychotherapy were more effective than the active control group (SMDs range, -0.85 to -0.74). Life review therapy was ranked as the best option according to effectiveness and acceptability, while behavioral activation therapy was the worst by acceptability. The certainty of the evidence was mostly rated as low to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the scarcity of high-quality evidence, all six psychotherapies were effective for late-life depression, and life review therapy seemed to be the best choice in terms of effectiveness and acceptability. The findings of our review could provide policymakers and service commissioners with evidence-based practice for making decisions among different psychotherapies.

Benefits of collaborative remembering in older and younger couples: the role of conversation dynamics and gender

We experimentally explored whether and how conversation dynamics would benefit collaborative remembering in intimate couples over time. To this end, we ran a study with a three-factor mixed design with relationship type (couples vs. strangers) and age (older adults vs. younger adults) as between-participants variables, and remembering condition (collaborative vs. individual) as a within-participants variable. Thirty pairs of intimate couples (fifteen long-term relationship older couples, fifteen short-term relationship younger couples) and thirty pairs of corresponding stranger-pairs (including older strangers and younger strangers) were compared with respect to recall accuracy and conversation dynamics, specifically considering the role of gender. Results revealed significant collaborative facilitation only in older couples. Also, females' communication behaviours facilitated males' collaborative remembering performance only in older (vs. younger) couples. In addition, a gender-specific pattern of shifts from the individual to collaborative context emerged only in older couple (vs. strangers). The findings are consistent with the notion that a longer experience of collaboration and more effective conversation dynamics allow older (vs. younger) couples to perform better at collaborative remembering. We discuss processes underlying the observed gender differences, and the social and motivational implications of collaborative remembering.

The Efficacy of Reminiscence Therapy in Cancer-Related Symptom Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

At present, simple reminiscence has been widely used in the field of neurocognitive disorders, life review/life review therapy has been widely used in the field of cancer, and both simple reminiscence and life review/life review therapy are suitable for psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, the efficacy of reminiscence in treating cancer-related symptom has not been fully assessed.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of reminiscence therapy (RT) on relieving cancer-related symptoms such as anxiety and depression in cancer survivals.

METHODS

China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCO, Scopus, and Ovid databases were searched. To collect clinical randomized controlled trials (RCT) on RT and cancer-related studies published from the establishment of the database to October 05, 2021. Two researchers independently evaluated the articles that met the inclusion criteria, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4 software.

RESULTS

A total of 20 RCTs published in 2010 to 2021 were included, with a total of 1853 cancer patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the anxiety scale (HADS-A and HAMA and SAS) and depression scale (HADS-D and HAMD and SDS) scores of the RT group were significantly lower than those of the control group (HADS-A: P = .0002; HAMA: P < .00001; SAS: P = .0010; HADS-D: P = .01; HAMD: P < .00001; SDS: P = .0001). Meta-analysis results showed that RT can improve overall quality of life of cancer patients of RT group to a certain extent hope (P < .00001). Meta-analysis results showed that the scores on the hope and dignity were significantly increased, and the difference were statistically significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that RT has significant efficacy on cancer-related symptoms such as anxiety and depression. RT for cancer survivals can effectively improve quality of life, self-hope, and self-esteem. The findings of this meta-analysis can provide direction for future symptom management research.

Can Good Memories of the Past Instill Happiness? Nostalgia Improves Subjective Well-Being by Increasing Gratitude

The positive effect of nostalgia provides an effective way to improve subjective well-being. However, there is little research on the relationship between nostalgia and subjective well-being, especially the mechanism of this link. This study tested the positive effects of nostalgia on emotional well-being (positive affect and negative affect) and cognitive well-being (satisfaction with life) via gratitude. Two experiments were conducted in samples of young adults who were randomized to experimental or control conditions. The analyses involved group comparisons as well as regression-based analyses of mediation. In Experiment 1 (N = 196), we induced nostalgia using a guided autobiographical recall procedure. The nostalgia group had higher positive affect and gratitude, and gratitude partially mediated the association between nostalgia and positive affect. In Experiment 2 (N = 102), we induced nostalgia by showing a nostalgic video from the period when the participants were children. The nostalgia group had higher positive affect and lower negative affect, and gratitude partially mediated these associations. The findings suggest that nostalgia could improve emotional well-being by increasing gratitude, but may not alter cognitive well-being.

What is Intergenerational Storytelling? Defining the Critical Issues for Aging Research in the Humanities

Intergenerational storytelling (IGS) has recently emerged as an arts- and humanities-focused approach to aging research. Despite growing appeal and applications, however, IGS methods, practices, and foundational concepts remain indistinct. In response to such heterogeneity, our objective was to comprehensively describe the state of IGS in aging research and assess the critical (e.g., conceptual, ethical, and social justice) issues raised by its current practice. Six databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, AgeLine, and Sociological Abstracts) were searched using search terms relating to age, intergenerational, story, and storytelling. Peer-reviewed, English-language studies conducted with participants residing in non-clinical settings were included. One thousand one hundred six (1106) studies were initially retrieved; 70 underwent full review, and 26 fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Most studies characterized IGS as a practice involving older adults (> 50 years old) and conventionally-aged postsecondary/college students (17-19 years old). Typical methodologies included oral and, in more recent literature, digital storytelling. Critical issues included inconsistently reported participant data, vast variations in study design and methods, undefined key concepts, including younger vs. older cohorts, generation, storytelling, and whether IGS comprised an intentional research method or a retrospective outcome. While IGS holds promise as an emerging field of arts- and humanities-based aging research, current limitations include a lack of shared data profiles and comparable study designs, limited cross-cultural representation, and insufficiently intersectional analysis of widespread IGS practices. To encourage more robust standards for future study design, data collection, and researcher reflexivity, we propose seven evidence-based recommendations for evolving IGS as a humanities-based approach to research in aging and intergenerational relations.

Effectiveness of reminiscence therapy interventions for older people: Evidence mapping and qualitative evaluation

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Reminiscence therapy is a common psychosocial intervention in mental health nursing. Numerous secondary studies have explored the effects of reminiscence therapy interventions in older adults, and while the effects are significant, conflicting results remain. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: To date, research on reminiscence therapy has examined different disorders in isolation from one another. By illustrating the evidence gaps between studies, this paper highlights the need for a new evidence-based summary overview of reminiscence therapy research. The results suggest that reminiscence therapy can be beneficial to the improvement of mental health and quality of life for older people. However, we found that the secondary studies were not of high quality and that further high-quality literature supporting the evidence is still needed. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE?: Reminiscence therapy may be considered a useful non-pharmacological intervention for older people with mental and psychological problems. However, there is a lack of normative guidelines for reminiscence therapy in terms of intervention time, frequency, and form. The development of a global standard protocol for the application of reminiscence therapy may be necessary for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Reminiscence therapy is an alternative to pharmaceutical intervention provided during long-term care, especially for older people with mental and psychological problems. However, the effects of reminiscence therapy remain inconclusive.

AIM

The present study aimed to systematically identify, synthesize and describe the research evidence and quality of systematic reviews (SRs) related to reminiscence interventions for older people through an evidence-mapping approach.

METHODS

Commonly used English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, VIP and SinoMed, were searched from inception till 31 March 2022. The study type was restricted to SRs with or without meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). The Microsoft Excel 2019 tool was used for data extraction and coding, and bubble charts were used to synthesize information on the study population, intervention category, original study sample size and classification of findings.

RESULTS

A total of 28 SRs were enrolled, including 514 original studies, 91.4% of which were randomized controlled trials. The main participants of the study were depressed older people (7 publications), older people with dementia (10 publications) and ordinary older people (8 publications). The findings of 26 (92.8%) publications were categorized as either "beneficial" or "potentially beneficial." The primary outcome indicators of the effectiveness of the reminiscence intervention for older people are mental and psychological problems (especially depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning), quality of life and categories of positive psychology (e.g., life satisfaction, happiness and self-esteem). The main factors influencing the intervention effect were the intervention period, residential setting, intervention format (group/individual) and intervention intensity. The intervention settings/contexts were mainly community and long-term care facilities. However, the methodological quality of 27 (96.4%) of the SRs was scored as either "Low" or "Critically Low."

DISCUSSION

Reminiscence therapy has been used to study the mental health and quality of life of older people in various conditions, with significant results. However, due to the limited evidence included in the studies and the low methodological quality, there is still a need to focus on the issue of effectiveness and evidence gaps for different interventions in the field of recall in the future, in addition to efforts to improve the methodological quality and standardize the reporting process for the evaluation of reminiscence intervention systems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Reminiscence therapy may be considered a useful non-pharmacological intervention for older people with mental and psychological problems. A standard protocol for reminiscence therapy may be necessary for future studies.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Arabic version of the reminiscence functions scale with strict measurement invariance across gender

PURPOSE

Recognizing reminiscence functions can help psychiatric nurses promote patients' mental health. This study aimed to confirm the six-factor, 39-item structure of the Arabic version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) in a sample of Jordanian adults (N = 470) and examine the invariance of structure across gender.

DESIGN AND METHOD

Post hoc model adjustment was conducted sequentially using modification indices (MI) to improve model fit. Measurement invariance across gender was examined using this adjusted Arabic RFS score (ARFS).

FINDINGS

After post hoc adjustment using MI, the fit indices for the adjusted (32-item) ARFS improved, indicating a good fit for the data. The adjusted ARFS factor structure indicated strict measurement invariance across gender.

CONCLUSIONS

CFA supports a 32-item, six-factor model.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Psychiatric nurses can use the adjusted ARFS to measure subjects' reminiscence functions and predict the psychological and emotional distress associated with these functions.

Efficacy of group reminiscence therapy based on Chinese traditional festival activities (CTFA-GRT) on loneliness and perceived stress of rural older adults living alone in China: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the efficacy of group reminiscence therapy based on Chinese traditional festival activities (CTFA-GRT) to mediate the loneliness and perceived stress of older adults living alone in rural China. The results can provide a scientific foundation for improving psychological health.

METHOD

A randomized controlled trial of 64 (aged 65.70 ± 3.69 years) Chinese rural older adults living alone was conducted. They were randomly divided into either an eight-month intervention group or a control group. The perceived stress scale (PSS) and the UCLA loneliness scale (UCLA-LS) evaluated the perceived stress and loneliness of the two groups at three different times. A repeated-measures analysis of variance model was used to compare each outcome measure of the two groups.

RESULTS

The CTFA-GRT yielded a benefit for the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in the intervention group. Combined with a simple effects test, the PSS and UCLA-LS of those in the intervention groups significantly decreased at eight months after the baseline (F _PSS = 23.540, F _UCLA-LS = 40.159; all P < 0.01). In addition, the sustainable effect of this program lasted three months after the intervention (F _PSS = 65.756, F _UCLA-LS = 60.983; all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The CTFA-GRT significantly decreased the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in China.

Scoping review of reminiscence research undertaken in long-term care communities

Mental health conditions ranging from minor depressive symptoms to major depression, loneliness and poor quality of life are significant concerns in long-term care communities. Reminiscence is one intervention that has shown to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life. The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the extent of reminiscence research undertaken in long-term care communities. Arksley and O'Malley's six stage method provided the framework for the review. Studies published in peer reviewed literature were identified based on searches in three databases (CINAHL, PUBMED, PsycINFO). Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Of the 32 articles examined, 2 studies were conducted in the United States. Twenty-five health outcomes were examined, including twenty-three psychological outcomes and two physiological outcomes. Depression and cognitive functions were the most frequently measured outcomes. Lack of theoretical frameworks underpinning the studies, inadequate sample sizes, and weak methodology were noted in this review. Recommendations for future reminiscence research in long-term care communities are discussed.

Remembering for resilience: Brief cognitive-reminiscence therapy improves psychological resources and mental well-being in young adults

Reminiscence‐based interventions focus on the recall of autobiographical memories and reflective reasoning about these remembered experiences. This study assessed the effect of a three‐session, positive‐memory version of cognitive‐reminiscence therapy (CRT) on the psychological resources and mental well‐being of young adults. The participants (N = 62, M_age = 24.6 [SD = 3.1], 71% females) were randomised to CRT or wait‐list. Psychological resources (self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, meaning in life and optimism), mental well‐being (depression, anxiety and stress symptoms) and theorised change processes (automatic negative thoughts, awareness of narrative identity and cognitive reappraisal) were assessed. The results showed the CRT group was significantly higher on psychological resources at post‐CRT (d = 0.75–0.80) and follow‐up (d = 0.52–0.87) and mental well‐being at post‐intervention (d = 0.71–1.30) and follow‐up (d = 0.64–0.98). The hypotheses regarding change processes were supported. Future research may use an active comparator and include a longer follow‐up, given only short‐term effects were assessed. Brief, positive‐focused CRT is effective in increasing psychological resources and mental well‐being in young adults.

Digital Storytelling for Health-Related Outcomes in Older Adults: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Older adults face a unique set of challenges and may experience a range of psychological comorbidities. Digital storytelling is an emerging tool for sharing and recording lived experiences and may have the potential to support well-being but is yet to be systematically reviewed for use among older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to examine the methods for creating digital stories, the health-related outcomes associated with creating digital stories, and the potential for implementing digital storytelling with older adults.

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic databases to identify articles published in English that reported on at least one health-related outcome of digital storytelling for participants aged ≥60 years. Data were extracted and synthesized using qualitative content analysis and summarized in tables. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies were included in the review. Participants were primarily community-dwelling older adults living with dementia, involving family caregivers and professional care staff. Studies have taken various approaches to digital storytelling and reported diverse benefits associated with digital storytelling, including improvements in mood, memory, social engagement, and quality of relationships. Although the potential for implementation was not widely examined, some studies have presented evidence for acceptability and feasibility. Generally, studies were of high quality, despite the absence of comparator groups and confounder analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence reviewed suggests that despite the various approaches taken, digital storytelling shows promise as an effective approach for supporting well-being in older adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019145922; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019145922.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/15512.

Validating the Self-assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) in an Iranian Sample: Psychometric and Developmental Findings

This study aimed to investigate the validity and factor structure of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS; Webster in J Adult Dev 10:13-22, 2003) in an Iranian population. Participants (235 male, 340 female) were recruited in Tehran, Iran and ranged in age from 17 to 88 years. Cronbach alpha's for the subscales ranged from .63 to .81, and their inter-correlations ranged from .42 to .53. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 5 factors that were similar with the original structure. Confirmatory factor analysis supported 5-factor model of the SAWS. The SAWS's total and subscale scores positively correlated with two other measures of wisdom (indicating convergent validity). The SAWS correlated weakly with age. Women scored higher in the SAWS subscales of emotional regulation, reminiscence/reflectiveness, and humor, which accounted for a significant gender difference in total wisdom. Although the age differences are consistent with prior research, the gender differences are relatively novel. Overall, results indicate that the SAWS has excellent psychometric properties and can be used in cross-cultural work.

The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy Using Virtual Reality on Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Multisite Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Background

Apathy is a frequent and underrecognized neurological disorder symptom. Reduced goal-directed behavior caused by apathy is associated with poor outcomes for older adults in residential aged care. Recommended nonpharmacological treatments include person-centered therapy using information and communication technology. Virtual reality (VR) in the form of head-mounted displays (HMDs) is a fully immersive technology that provides access to a wide range of freely available content. The use of VR as a therapy tool has demonstrated promise in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. In addition, VR has been used to improve conditions including depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and balance in older adults with memory deficits, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Research using VR for the symptoms of apathy in older adults living in residential aged care facilities is limited.

Objective

This study aims to examine whether using HMDs as a tool for reminiscence therapy improves the symptoms of apathy compared with using a laptop computer and physical items with older adults living in residential aged care.

Methods

In this multisite trial, 43 participants were allocated to one of three groups: reminiscence therapy intervention using VR in the form of HMDs, reminiscence therapy using a laptop computer supplemented by physical items if required (active control), and a usual care (passive control) group. The primary outcome was apathy, and the secondary outcomes included cognition and depression. The side effects of using HMDs were also measured in the VR group.

Results

Mixed model analyses revealed no significant group interaction over time in outcomes between the VR and laptop groups (estimate=−2.24, SE 1.89; t₄₀=−1.18; P=.24). Pooled apathy scores in the two intervention groups compared with the passive control group also revealed no significant group interaction over time (estimate=−0.26, SE 1.66; t₄₀=−0.16; P=.88). There were no significant secondary outcomes. Most participants in the VR group stated that they would prefer to watch content in VR than on a flat screen (Χ²₂=11.2; P=.004), side effects from HMD use were negligible to minimal according to the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire cutoff scores.

Conclusions

Although there were no significant results in outcome measures, this study found that participants engaged in the research and enjoyed the process of reminiscing using both forms of technology. It was found that VR can be implemented in an aged care setting with correct protocols in place. Providing residents in aged care with a choice of technology may assist in increasing participation in activities. We cannot dismiss the importance of immediate effects while the therapy was in progress, and this is an avenue for future research.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001510134; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378564.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046030

Planting the SEED: A model to describe the functions of music in reminiscence therapy

Music-assisted reminiscence therapy involves the use of music, in any form, to prompt and augment the recollection of autobiographical memories and therapeutic reframing of the meaning of one's life and experiences. The functions of music in reminiscence therapy remains unclear. Drawing on interdisciplinary research in music therapy, psychology, sociology, gerontology, and neuroscience, this paper proposes a theoretical model for understanding the multiple functions of music when used in reminiscence therapy, and describes how music-assisted reminiscence therapy might be used to improve the wellbeing of older people. The SEED model proposes that music, when used together with reminiscence interventions, helps to: 1) summon autobiographical memories; 2) evoke strong emotional reactions; 3) elicit physiological responses; and 4) define identity. Evidence for the four proposed functions of music in reminiscence interventions is presented. The SEED model expands on previous research and theory on music and reminiscence, neural and cognitive processing, and the therapeutic use of music. The SEED model maps the benefits and indicators for the use of music in reminiscence therapy and provides a blueprint for research to test the purported benefits of using music to enhance reminiscence therapy.

Effects of a simple reminiscence intervention program on the reminiscence functions in older adults

OBJECTIVES

Reminiscence promotes the acceptance of oneself and others, a sense of meaning, and the integration of the present and the past. The currently accepted classification contains eight reminiscence functions grouped in three broader functions: self-positive functions (identity, problem-solving, and death preparation); self-negative functions (bitterness revival, boredom reduction, and intimacy maintenance); and prosocial functions (conversation and teach-inform). The main objective of this study was to investigate how the eight dimensions change over time in a sample of healthy older adults after an intervention based on simple reminiscence and subsequent follow-up.

DESIGN

Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group.

SETTING

Participants were evaluated individually before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 139 healthy older adults (71 intervention group and 68 control group).

INTERVENTION

Ten weekly sessions lasting 2 hours each were administered, based on a simple reminiscence program.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants were assessed with the Reminiscence Functions Scale.

RESULTS

After the intervention, in the treatment group, there was a significant increase in the self-positive functions of problem-solving and death preparation, and these effects were maintained even at the follow-up; there was a significant reduction in the self-negative functions of bitterness revival and intimacy maintenance; and there was a significant increase in the prosocial function of conversation.

CONCLUSIONS

When applying an intervention based on reminiscence, it is important to evaluate how it influences these functions because this information can help us to modify the objectives of the intervention and increase its effectiveness.

Psychometric Testing of the Arabic Version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), a reliable and valid 43-item scale, measures eight specific reasons as to why people reminisce. The current literature lacks an Arabic version of empirically-validated tools that measure reminiscence functions. This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the translated version of the RFS in a sample of Arabic speakers from Jordan.

METHODS

The scale was first translated into Arabic and then was translated back into English. A committee of experts reviewed the Arabic scale and then confirmed its content validity. A convenience, snowball sample of 422 subjects completed the Arabic RFS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the internal consistency method were used to evaluate the factorial structure and reliability of the Arab RFS, respectively.

RESULTS

The Arabic RFS reported excellent content validity. EFA yielded a six-factor, 39-item structure that accounted for 52% of the variance. Cronbach's alphas for the six factors ranged from 0.82 to 0.91, indicating good to excellent internal consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

The Arabic RFS is a valid and reliable measure of reminiscence functions for Jordanian adults.

Distinct effects of over-general autobiographical memory on suicidal ideation among depressed and healthy people

BACKGROUND

Childhood trauma and over-general autobiographical memory (OGM) are crucial risk factors of suicide. This study aimed to investigate whether suicidal ideation was predicted by one's childhood trauma and OGM and the mechanism of OGM underlying suicidal ideation in depression patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

A total of 180 depression patients and 176 matched healthy individuals were recruited in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was obtained. Path analysis was conducted to test a meditational model. The multigroup comparison was applied to find differences between groups.

RESULTS

Significant differences were detected between depression patients and healthy controls with respect to childhood trauma, OGM, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. OGM was positively correlated with both current and worst-point suicidal ideation in the depression group and significantly correlated with worst-point suicidal ideation in the healthy control group. The path model showed that childhood trauma had a direct impact on the current suicidal ideation directly, and an indirect influence through OGM and worst-point suicidal ideation. Multigroup analysis further demonstrated that OGM affected and mediated the current suicidal ideation due to childhood trauma in depression patients, whereas only worst-point suicidal ideation was affected in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The OGM mediates suicidal ideation in depression patients, but only affects the worst-point suicidal ideation in the healthy controls. As it is one of the major risk factors of suicidal ideation in depression, amelioration of OGM might be an useful method to reduce or prevent suicidal ideation in depression patients.

Social Reminiscence in Older Adults' Everyday Conversations: Automated Detection Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning

Background

Reminiscence is the act of thinking or talking about personal experiences that occurred in the past. It is a central task of old age that is essential for healthy aging, and it serves multiple functions, such as decision-making and introspection, transmitting life lessons, and bonding with others. The study of social reminiscence behavior in everyday life can be used to generate data and detect reminiscence from general conversations.

Objective

The aims of this original paper are to (1) preprocess coded transcripts of conversations in German of older adults with natural language processing (NLP), and (2) implement and evaluate learning strategies using different NLP features and machine learning algorithms to detect reminiscence in a corpus of transcripts.

Methods

The methods in this study comprise (1) collecting and coding of transcripts of older adults’ conversations in German, (2) preprocessing transcripts to generate NLP features (bag-of-words models, part-of-speech tags, pretrained German word embeddings), and (3) training machine learning models to detect reminiscence using random forests, support vector machines, and adaptive and extreme gradient boosting algorithms. The data set comprises 2214 transcripts, including 109 transcripts with reminiscence. Due to class imbalance in the data, we introduced three learning strategies: (1) class-weighted learning, (2) a meta-classifier consisting of a voting ensemble, and (3) data augmentation with the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) algorithm. For each learning strategy, we performed cross-validation on a random sample of the training data set of transcripts. We computed the area under the curve (AUC), the average precision (AP), precision, recall, as well as F1 score and specificity measures on the test data, for all combinations of NLP features, algorithms, and learning strategies.

Results

Class-weighted support vector machines on bag-of-words features outperformed all other classifiers (AUC=0.91, AP=0.56, precision=0.5, recall=0.45, F1=0.48, specificity=0.98), followed by support vector machines on SMOTE-augmented data and word embeddings features (AUC=0.89, AP=0.54, precision=0.35, recall=0.59, F1=0.44, specificity=0.94). For the meta-classifier strategy, adaptive and extreme gradient boosting algorithms trained on word embeddings and bag-of-words outperformed all other classifiers and NLP features; however, the performance of the meta-classifier learning strategy was lower compared to other strategies, with highly imbalanced precision-recall trade-offs.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of the applicability of NLP and machine learning pipelines for the automated detection of reminiscence in older adults’ everyday conversations in German. The methods and findings of this study could be relevant for designing unobtrusive computer systems for the real-time detection of social reminiscence in the everyday life of older adults and classifying their functions. With further improvements, these systems could be deployed in health interventions aimed at improving older adults’ well-being by promoting self-reflection and suggesting coping strategies to be used in the case of dysfunctional reminiscence cases, which can undermine physical and mental health.

Comparing life review writing with active control groups: Results of a feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Life review writing can be used to improve depressive symptoms in well older adults, but it is unclear whether the reminiscing, writing, or socialising is associated with the improvements. This study assessed the feasibility of a controlled trial comparing life review writing with two active control groups designed to isolate the acts of (a) engaging in a meaningful leisure activity and (b) socialising.

METHODS

Twenty-four participants from a 100-bed assisted living facility were enrolled in the study. Participants ranged in age from 70 to 98 years (M = 83.9, SD = 7.6). Eight 1-hour weekly sessions were held, with participants assigned to one of three groups: (a) life review writing, (b) painting, or (c) coffee from around the world. At baseline, participants completed a demographic and health questionnaire, the Mini-Cog, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-15). The GDS-15 was administered again at weeks 4 and 8, along with the health questionnaire at post-test.

RESULTS

Nearly 25% (N = 24) of the facility's residents attended at least one session, with an average attendance rate of 66.4%, or 5.3 sessions. However, to achieve this participation rate, our original plan to employ random assignment had to be abandoned. The groups were a partial success insofar as we successfully isolated engaging in a meaningful activity in the painting group, but the writing group engaged in less reminiscing than hoped. At post-test, seven participants reported health, mood, and social life benefits. GDS-15 scores fluctuated over time, with no significant improvement from pre- to post-test.

CONCLUSION

The residents' low willingness to be randomised creates a serious selection bias, but randomising volunteers into different activities runs counter to client-centred therapy. To scrutinise the mechanisms of change of life review writing, we recommend comparing two writing groups: one that reminisces and one that does not.

Constructing a hero–victim identity through reminiscing: a phenomenological study on rural Chinese elders

Reminiscing contributes to the formulation of identity in later adulthood through integrating individuals’ recomposed past, perceived present and envisioned future. Aiming to understand rural Chinese elders’ identity construction through reminiscing, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 elders living in ShiGo, a village located in the south-west of China. Data analysis suggests the rural elders in this study constructed a hero–victim identity through telling stories about the hardships they went through and the sacrifices they made. The participants narrated suffering from lack of basic living needs in the past, in particular before the 1980s while they were involved in turmoil brought on by wars and national movements, from destructive relationships, from making sacrifices for the country and their families, and from adapting to challenges brought on by the hardships. The rural elders shared life experiences with other villagers in daily life through bitter-sweet telling and wanted their suffering and sacrifices to be witnessed. Witnessing connects suffering, sacrifice, hero and victim into a self-enforcing system that helps the elders maintain interdependence and defence against existential concerns like death anxiety. A hero–victim dialectic model was presented to capture the self-enforcing attribute of the hero–victim identity. Findings of this study could be used to make sense of rural ageing in China and benefit clinical professionals working with rural Chinese elders.

Ruminative and mood associations for age differences in social and directive reasons to think and talk about life experiences

Reminiscing, or thinking and talking about our past experiences, can have mood enhancing effects. Rumination is implicated in reminiscence and yet has been shown to have negative effects on mood, with important differences between age groups. However, age differences in the effects of reminiscing on mood, and particularly the effects of rumination within reminiscence, are less explored. Two different age groups completed self-report measures of the positive directive (planning for present and future behaviors) and social (communication) uses of autobiographical memory, as well as maladaptive rumination and depression symptom severity. Young participants (Mean age: 21.82) ruminated more and reported greater frequency of using the directive and social functions of thinking and talking about past experiences than older adults (Mean age: 71.82). These reminiscence processes were also differentially associated with depression symptoms between age groups when tested in structural equation models. In older participants, but not young participants, the directive function was negatively associated with depression severity; in young participants, but not old participants, the social function was negatively associated with depression severity. Furthermore, although depressive and abstract rumination was directly positively related to depression scores in both samples, this association was inverted when the effect of rumination on depression was calculated through functions of reminiscence. The implications of these results for intervention development in older versus young adults, is discussed.

Themes of Gerotranscendence in Narrative Identity Within Structured Life Review

Abstract. Narrative identity is a person’s internalized and evolving life story. It provides a person with some degree of unity and purpose over the life course. It is shaped by the themes, plots, and images available within an individual’s culture. Research in narrative gerontology finds that positive themes within narrative identity in late life are sparse because of a pervading “narrative of decline,” which may contribute to prevalence of late life depression. Structured Life Review (SLR) is an effective intervention to manage depressive symptoms in older adults. It relies on clinician-guided storytelling and themes drawn from Erikson’s developmental stages to foster positive narrative identity. In this theoretical review, the authors explore gerotranscendence-related themes to inform narrative identity through SLR, the goal being to advance the argument that gerotranscendence can adaptively navigate negative narrative themes. It should be considered within clinical narrative practice to improve psychological well-being for older adults.

The Effectiveness of Biographical Approaches in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Older adults in long-term residential aged care experience loneliness and reduced quality of life (QoL). Biographical approaches use the recall of the past events to increase self-efficacy, promote acceptance, and improve QoL. The aim of the systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of biographical approaches in improving the QoL of older adults in long-term residential aged care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using databases Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. A 2-phase search strategy was used to identify research literature relating to the use of biographical interventions. Narrative analysis was used to synthesize results.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria for this review, comprising both group and individual interventions. The findings were inconsistent. Subjective elements of QoL of older adults improved in a narrow majority of the studies. Of a total of 21 outcomes investigated in group interventions, 11 resulted in significant improvements in QoL. The 16 outcomes of the individual interventions resulted in 10 significant improvements. The most significant influence was observed in life satisfaction. Group reminiscence also had a particularly strong influence on self-esteem.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Although benefits were observed, it remains unclear why some interventions led to improvements in subjective elements of QoL and others did not. Exploration of the participant perspective through qualitative data collection and more detailed description of interventions in future studies could lead to a better understanding of the treatment components that are related to improved outcomes for older adults.

From fragments to identity: reminiscence, life review and well-being of holocaust survivors. An integrative review

Objectives: Survivors of the Holocaust have reached an age during which it is common for them to look back on their lives. Previous research has shown that reminiscence can take on either adaptive ('self-positive') or detrimental ('self-negative') forms, which in turn are differently linked to psychological well-being. Thus, the question of "why" and "how" Holocaust survivors recall their autobiographical memories may hold important information about the underlying coping processes at play. This review aims to give insight into the current state of research on these questions.Method: A systematic literature search was conducted, looking for articles reporting quantitative and qualitative research on reminiscence and narrative styles, life review and well-being of Holocaust survivors. A methodological quality assessment was undertaken.Results: 23 articles met the criteria for inclusion. These articles focused either on reminiscence functions or on content and structure of life narratives. Such autobiographical reports were shaped by the experience of Holocaust. However, actual well-being was particularly determined by positive life events. Studies found evidence for resilience and ongoing effort to integrate the past into a coherent review. The link between reminiscence and health remains stable even after massive trauma. Contextual influences (such as culture) and age are discussed as possible covariates.Conclusions: The results show that Holocaust survivors are able to use reminiscence in a functional way, though they are increasingly more vulnerable as they reach very old age. The link between past suffering and present well-being gets stronger with age. Other stressful life experiences after the Holocaust must be considered as exacerbating factors. This review also presents the implications for therapy and open research questions are discussed.

Reminiscence in the Care of People with Mild Dementia: A Concept Analysis

AIM

To clarify the concept of reminiscence in the care of people with mild dementia, highlight its uses as a nursing intervention in dementia care, and propose an operational definition of the concept.

BACKGROUND

Reminiscence is one of the leading nonpharmacological interventions in dementia care. The existing literature lacks a unified definition of reminiscence as it applies to the care of patients with mild dementia and a precise understanding of the concept's applications in nursing care.

DATA SOURCES

We derived data from literature searches in CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases.

DESIGN

Concept Analysis.

REVIEW METHODS

The review method used was the Walker and Avant's (2019) eight-step method.

RESULTS

Identification of the key attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of the concept resulted in an operational definition of the concept. The proposed operational definition identifies reminiscence in the care of patients with mild dementia as a cognitive, functional process of recalling and reconstructing distant memories using memory stimuli through mutual interaction with a trained facilitator.

CONCLUSION

Clarifying the concept will add validity to the current and future literature, help to develop new research instruments that accurately measure this concept, and function as a framework for holistic nursing interventions.

Patients' priorities in a reminiscence and legacy intervention in palliative care

Background:

Reminiscence is used in a range of different interventions in palliative care, for example, Dignity Therapy or Life Review. However, literature has focused mainly on the methodology, and little has been published on patients’ priorities and primary concerns.

Objective:

This study looks at themes emerging in a reminiscence intervention with patients confronted with a life-limiting disease. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting/subjects:

Seventeen patients who were receiving palliative care at the University Hospital Bonn participated in interviews reviewing parts or phases of their lives.

Results:

Patients expressed satisfaction and a sense of well-being with the intervention. Major themes emerging in the interviews were the factors involved in the development and expression of personality, such as character-forming influences, self-image, self-awareness, and philosophy of life. Talking about personality was entangled with influences from growing up, qualification/job, partner/spouse, children, resources, twists of fate/crossroads, and coping.

Conclusion:

The topics emerging from the interviews differed from the scope of guiding questions in common reminiscence methods like Life Review or Dignity Therapy. The underlying motivation of patients seemed to be the search for identity and continuity in one’s life.

Effects of collaboration on the qualities of autobiographical recall in strangers, friends, and siblings: both remembering partner and communication processes matter

Recalling autobiographical memories with others can influence the quality of recall, but little is known about how features of the group influence memory outcomes. In two studies, we examined how the products and processes of autobiographical recall depend on individual vs. collaborative remembering and the relationship between group members. In both studies, dyads of strangers, friends, and siblings recalled autobiographical events individually (elicitation), then either collaboratively or individually (recall). Study 1 involved typing memory narratives; Study 2 involved recalling aloud. We examined shifts in vividness, emotionality, and pronoun use within memory narratives produced by different relationship types. In Study 2, we also coded collaborative dyads' "collaborative processes" or communication processes. In Study 1, all relationships showed decreased positive emotion and I-pronouns and increased negative emotion within collaboratively-produced memory narratives. In Study 2, all relationships showed increased vividness, reduced emotionality and positive and negative emotion, and increased I- and we-pronouns within collaboratively-produced memory narratives. However, strangers used collaborative processes differently from friends and siblings. Some collaborative processes were associated with memory qualities. Across studies, collaboration influenced memory quality more than did relationship type, but relationship type influenced dyads' recall dynamics. These findings indicate the complexity of social influences on memory.

Life review therapy for older adults with depressive symptoms in general practice: results of a pilot evaluation

OBJECTIVE

General practices play an important role in the detection and treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. An adapted version of the indicated preventive life review therapy group intervention called Looking for Meaning (LFM) was developed for general practice and a pilot evaluation was conducted.

DESIGN

A pretest-posttest design was used. One week before and one week after the intervention participants filled out questionnaires.

SETTING

In six general practices in the Netherlands the adapted intervention was given.

PARTICIPANTS

Inclusion criteria were > 60 years and a score of 5 or higher on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

INTERVENTION

The length and number of LFM sessions were shortened and the intervention was given by one mental health care nurse practitioner (MHCNP).

MEASUREMENTS

The impact on mental health was analyzed by depressive symptoms (CES-D) as the primary outcome and anxiety symptoms (HADS-A), psychological well-being (PGCMS) and mastery (PMS) as secondary outcomes. An evaluative questionnaire was included to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability.

RESULTS

Most participants were satisfied with the adaptations of the number (72%) and length (72%) of sessions. The overall sample showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after the intervention. No impact was found on psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms and mastery.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention is feasible and acceptable for older adults with depressive symptoms and has an impact on their depressive symptoms.

Volunteers in a biography project with palliative care patients - a feasibility study

Background

Increasing the quality of life with short interventions for vulnerable patients is one of the objectives of palliative care. Biographical approaches are used in a range of different interventions which may require considerable resources of staff time and energy. This study evaluated the feasibility of training hospice volunteers in biographical interviews of patients confronted with a life-limiting disease. For the purpose of this study, we evaluated resources such as time needed for training, coordination and supervision, outcome such as completion of the intervention in appropriate time and risks such as causing distress in patients or volunteers as major determinants of feasibility.

Methods

Nine volunteers from a hospice service attended an advanced training with an introduction to palliative care, biography work, interview techniques, transcribing and writing. Volunteers interviewed a patient and developed a written narrative from the interview. Volunteers completed a questionnaire before training and were interviewed at the end of the project. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and evaluated using descriptive and qualitative content analysis.

Results

Patients provided positive feedback from the intervention. Volunteers felt that their involvement was personally rewarding and were moved by the courage and confidence of the patients. There were no systematic problems or negative experiences reported neither by volunteers nor by patients.

Conclusions

We found the use of volunteers for biography work with patients in palliative care feasible and effective in this study. Volunteers needed supervision and ongoing support in providing this intervention.