Effects of reminiscence interventions on psychosocial outcomes: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: This study integrated results from controlled trials of reminiscence interventions. METHODS: Meta-analysis was used to aggregate results from 128 studies on 9 outcome VARIABLES. RESULTS: Compared to non-specific changes in control-group members, moderate improvements were observed at posttest with regard to ego-integrity (g=0.64) and depression (g=0.57 standard deviation units). Small effects were found on purpose in life (g=0.48), death preparation (g=0.40), mastery (g=0.40), mental health symptoms (g=0.33), positive well-being (g=0.33), social integration (g=0.31), and cognitive performance (g=0.24). Most effects were maintained at follow-up. We observed larger improvements of depressive symptoms in depressed individuals (g=1.09) and persons with chronic physical disease (g=0.94) than in other individuals, and in those receiving life-review therapy (g=1.28) rather than life-review or simple reminiscence. Moderating effects of the control condition were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Reminiscence interventions affect a broad range of outcomes, and therapeutic as well as preventive effects are similar to those observed in other frequently used interventions.