Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Art-Based Group Reminiscence Therapy on Resilience and Joy of Living in Older Adults

This study will examine whether art-based group reminiscence therapy can improve psychological resilience and joy of living in adults aged 60 years and older. Psychological resilience means being able to cope with and recover from difficult experiences. Reminiscence involves remembering and sharing experiences from the past. The study will also examine whether any improvements remain one month after the program ends. Approximately 50 older adults attending the Tazelenme University program at Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Türkiye, will participate. Participants will be assigned by chance to one of two groups, with approximately 25 people in each group. Participants in the intervention group will attend eight sessions over four weeks, with two sessions per week. Each session will last 60-90 minutes and take place in a small group of 8-10 people. A trained psychiatric nurse will guide the sessions. Participants will share memories and take part in creative activities using photographs, music, and art materials. Topics will include childhood, family life, school years, relationships, meaningful life roles, pleasant memories, personal strengths, and lessons learned throughout life. Participants in the control group will continue their usual social activities without receiving the study program during the study period. After the study is completed, they will be offered the opportunity to take part in the reminiscence program if they wish. Participants in both groups will complete questionnaires about psychological resilience and joy of living at three time points: before the program begins, after the four-week program ends, and one month later. Researchers will compare changes between the two groups to assess the effects of the program.