A recent network meta-analysis has elucidated the comparative effectiveness of various reminiscence-based therapies on psychological well-being in older adults without diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Conducted across six databases, the analysis synthesized data from 33 randomized controlled trials involving 2,512 participants, focusing on interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing life satisfaction.

The findings reveal that both narrative therapy (SMD = −1.22) and dignity therapy (SMD = −1.28) were most effective in alleviating depressive symptoms, with high P-scores indicating robust treatment effects. Notably, narrative therapy also ranked highest for improving life satisfaction (SMD = 1.13), outperforming other interventions such as reminiscence therapy and life review. Furthermore, the analysis highlighted that longer interventions (≥8 weeks) yielded significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction (SMD = 1.09) compared to shorter interventions (SMD = 0.36), suggesting a dose-response relationship.

These results underscore the potential of reminiscence-based therapies as practical interventions for enhancing psychological well-being in older adults. The clear efficacy of narrative and dignity therapies not only informs clinical practice but also suggests a shift in therapeutic strategies aimed at older populations. This could influence future research directions and the development of evidence-based guidelines for mental health interventions in aging populations, ultimately contributing to improved healthspan and quality of life.

Source: academic.oup.com