The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the reminiscence-oriented group art therapy in reducing elderly depression caused by a developmental characteristic of the elderly, and the influences on psychological ego-integrity and expl...
The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the reminiscence-oriented group art therapy in reducing elderly depression caused by a developmental characteristic of the elderly, and the influences on psychological ego-integrity and explicit behavioral changes. At the day-care center affiliated to O General Welfare Day Center in S City, seven elderly people (one male, six females) who marked 14 scores or over with the Korean Form Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS), classified as mild depression, were selected as subjects for this study. A total of 24 sessions were conducted from March 5 to August 27, 2010, for 60 to 70 minutes per session once a week. Test tools used to measure the changes in depression and self-integrity were The Korean Form Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) developed by Jung In-Gwa and his colleagues, Ego-Integrity Test developed by Hong Ju-Yeon (2000), and KHTP Test. Also based on the Activity Evaluation Form that Oseas used (1961) measuring behavioral changes in group activity during occupational therapy, subjects' behavioral changes were observed and charted by the researcher each session focused on the degree of interest and participation in the activity, the ability of self-expression, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills. Data were analyzed with a non-parametric Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Rank Test.
The results for this study were as follows:
First, reminiscence-oriented group art therapy was effective in reducing elderly depression. The tendency of significant reduction in depression was observed in comparative analysis of pre/post-test results. This verified the effectiveness of the reminiscence-oriented group art therapy on elderly depression caused by a developmental characteristic of the elderly.
Second, the reduction in elderly depression through reminiscence-oriented group art therapy led to improvements in ego-integrity and behavioral changes. Among participants of the group art therapy, significant positive changes were observed in the scale of ego integrity and behavioral changes in comparative analysis of the pre/post-test results.
In conclusion, the effectiveness of reminiscence-oriented group art therapy, by providing experiences such as emotional awakening, catharsis, and positive reexperience, in overcoming elderly depression was verified. The effectiveness in enhancing self-perception and promoting behavioral changes was verified as well. This indicated that reminiscence-oriented group art therapy made a positive influence on the adaptation to elderly life.
Furthermore, besides the effectiveness in reducing elderly depression, this study suggested that reminiscence-oriented group art therapy could be meaningful in preventive aspect of psychological problems of the elderly related to depression.