Effects of reminiscence interventions on depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The goal of the present meta-analysis was to compare effects of reminiscence interventions on depression and anxiety across different target groups.

Systematic search in electronic data bases and cross-referencing identified 195 randomized controlled trials that were included in random-effects meta-analysis.

Reminiscence interventions resulted, on average, in moderate improvement of depressive symptoms and small-to-moderate improvements of anxiety symptoms. Life review therapy for individuals with elevated psychological symptoms tended to be more effective (with moderate to strong improvements) than life review with nonclinical samples and simple reminiscence. Effects were similar for individuals with cognitive impairment, physical illness and general community-based samples. Intervention effects varied, in part, by intervention length, kind of control condition, publication status, and region where the study was conducted.

We conclude that reminiscence interventions should be offered for all adults interested in reflecting on their past, although adaptations of intervention contents can be made according to the needs of potential participants.