Can a reminiscing intervention alter depression and self-esteem?

This study assessed the value of reminiscing as a therapeutic intervention for older persons. A decrease in depression and an increase in self-esteem were the hypothesized outcomes. Twenty-one community residents, mean age seventy-seven years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first group was involved in structured reminiscing for forty-five minutes during each of five weeks; the second group was a control that focused on current life events; and the third group was a no-treatment control. Analysis of changes from pretest to posttest revealed no significant differences for either depression or self-esteem. This study provides no support for claims that reminiscing can be an effective short-term therapeutic intervention.