Effect of Life Review Writing on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effects of engaging in the occupation-based intervention of life review through writing on expressed depressive symptoms as measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale in older adults residing in senior residences. METHOD. The study design was a randomized controlled trial that took place in four senior residences in New York City. Forty-five participants (23 treatment, 22 wait-list control) ≥65 yr old participated in the 8-wk, once-weekly autobiographical writing workshop, Share Your Life Story (Sierpina, 2002). RESULTS. Depressive symptoms were significantly less prevalent for the treatment group than for the control group after the 8-wk life review program (repeated-measures analysis of variance p = .03). CONCLUSION. The results suggest that the Share Your Life Story writing workshop is an effective occupation-based intervention for occupational therapists to use with older adults who reside in senior residences.

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

“…Even without a clinical diagnosis of major depression, individuals who have depressive symptoms often experience a significant decline in independence, functional performance of activities of daily living, and overall health (Chippendale & Bear-Lehman, 2012). Research has shown that as many as 27% of older adults who live in a senior residence exhibit symptoms of depression (Chippendale & Bear-Lehman, 2012). Due to this prevalence and the devastating and expansive effects of depressive symptoms, early intervention and treatment is crucial.…”

“…Thus, it is important to identify health care professionals and interventions that can address depressive symptoms and their impact on occupational engagement and function. The current literature recognizes occupational therapy as an appropriate profession for addressing the psychosocial and occupational needs of individuals (Chippendale & Bear-Lehman, 2012;AOTA, 2014). Two interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice that have been utilized to address the occupational deficits caused by depressive symptoms include life review and reminiscence therapy (Harwood, 1989;StevensRatchford, 1992;Chin, 2007).…”

“…Two interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice that have been utilized to address the occupational deficits caused by depressive symptoms include life review and reminiscence therapy (Harwood, 1989;StevensRatchford, 1992;Chin, 2007). Chippendale and Bear-Lehman (2012) recognized the value for occupational therapists to implement life review interventions when treating older adults with depressive symptoms. This article emphasized the profession's unique ability to address clients' psychosocial needs through this therapeutic modality and stated that addressing individuals' psychosocial needs is imperative to increase engagement in occupation and improve quality of life.…”

“…Psychologists and nurses were the professionals providing the intervention. Despite this, reminiscence therapy and life review have been recognized as appropriate interventions for occupational therapists to treat older adults with depressive symptoms (Chippendale & Bear-Lehman, 2012). The profession is appropriate to administer these interventions for several reasons.…”

“…Chippendale and Bear-Lehman (2012) conducted an occupation-based life review intervention that utilized a life writing workshop. Participants in this study received specific writing prompts at each session that coincided with a specific stage of life.…”