Design and evaluation of a group reminiscence intervention for loneliness and psychological well-being in older adults: a pilot randomized controlled trial with quantitative and qualitative data

Abstract

Objectives This study designed a group reminiscence intervention for older adults and evaluated its preliminary effects on loneliness and psychological well-being.Methods A randomized control trial with convergent parallel design. The intervention comprised 10 sessions based on simple-reminiscence techniques in a senior centre. Inclusion criteria: being lonely, non-institutionalized, ≥60 years and without cognitive impairment. Participants from two senior centres were randomly allocated to experimental or active-control groups. Loneliness and psychological well-being were measured at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up; qualitative data at follow-up.Results Seventeen women aged 60-72 (66.71 ± 3.077) participated. The experimental group showed significant reductions in emotional loneliness post-intervention (p < 0.05) and at three months (p < 0.05), and increased well-being post-intervention (p < 0.05). No immediate effects on social loneliness were found, but lower emotional (p < 0.05) and social loneliness (p < 0.01) emerged at follow-up. Qualitative findings highlighted the intervention as a meaningful space for social exchange.Conclusions Group reminiscence appears to reduce emotional loneliness and enhance well-being in older adults. Given the small, homogeneous sample and pilot nature, results are preliminary. Larger studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings. Results may inform future research and clinical practice.

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