The Effect of Group Reminiscence Therapy on Depression in Women With Type II Diabetes

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of psychological disorders and symptoms. Objectives: This research investigated the effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression among women with type II diabetes. Patients and Methods: The present study was a clinical trial study. Twenty-four patients referring to the diabetic clinic of Golestan hospital in Ahvaz, Iran were selected through simple random sampling and were divided in two groups. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Group reminiscence therapy was held over eight biweekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. Finally, data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Chi-Square tests, using SPSS version 20. Results: A significant difference was observed between the two groups after the intervention (P = 0.001). The rating for depression decreased significantly in the experimental group. Before the group reminiscence therapy, the highest rating for depression obtained by the experimental group was “need for consultation” (50%), whereas after the intervention, the highest rating was “no depression” (50%). One month after the intervention, the highest rating obtained for depression was “low” (50%). Conclusions: Reminiscence therapy decreased depression among diabetic female patients after the intervention and one month after the intervention. It can be said that, through the reminiscence therapy, patients’ past memories were reviewed and emphasis on the positive aspects thereof in the group setting was followed by an increased sense of self-worth and a decrease in depression.