The Effect of Life Review Reminiscence Activities on Depression and Self-Esteem in Older Adults

Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of life review reminiscence activities on reported depression and self-esteem. The study used a pretest–posttest experimental design in which 24 well older adults living in a retirement community were randomly assigned to experimental and comparison groups. The experimental group participated in six life review sessions, after which all subjects were readministered the Beck Depression Inventory and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Survey. An analysis of covariance indicated that life review reminiscence activities did not significantly affect depression and self-esteem. These findings imply that participation in life review activities did not negatively affect this sample of well older adults and that life review reminiscence is a worthwhile activity for this age group.