Encouraging Occupation: A Systematic Review of the Use of Life Review and Reminiscence Therapy for the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

ABSTRACT

The present systematic review investigates the efficacy of both life review and reminiscence therapy interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and PsycINFO. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, and pertinent variables were extracted for data analysis. 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. These interventions are appropriate for use in occupational therapy practice, as occupational therapists are well-equipped to treat the psychosocial needs of individuals.

KEYWORDS:

• Reminiscence therapy
• life review
• older adult
• depressive symptoms
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgments

The researchers thank Dr. Cynthia Grapczynski, EdD, MS, OTRL, FAOTA, who served as research chair, and Dr. Jeanine Beasley, EdD, OTRL, CHT, FAOTA, who served as a research committee member in the development of this systematic review.