Effectiveness of Life Management Integrated with Memory Specificity Training on Depression among Divorced Women

The present study aimed to effectiveness of life management integrated with teaching special reminiscence (MEST) on depression among divorced women.

The researcher used intervention method after special stages with qualitative evaluation to intervention method to be effective in the improvement of target group life quality and health, especially in reduction depression. In quantitative part, the present study was quasi-experimental in type with two groups and pretest and posttest and follow-up. The 30 of divorced women under the coverage of Imam Khomeini Relief Committee and Naein Welfare Organization were selected convenience and were assigned into groups randomly. Data collecting in qualitative part was based on reading articles, related texts and interview which has been used under the opinions of psychology department professors to compile the educational-medical package and integrate them with special reminiscence. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) was study instrument in quantitative part. Educational-medical intervention method was based on 11 sessions in experiment group to influence on depression in experiment group. The data were analyzed by repeated ANOVA.

The results showed that the life management integrated with teaching special reminiscence was effective on depression (p<.05).

According to findings, the integrated intervention of life management and memory specificity training (MEST) can create a new lifestyle and change the cognitive-behavioral system, and so transform the subjects’ thoughts and behavioral patterns compared to their previous condition. Also, it creates an optimistic insight to the subjects’ present and future life that leads to the improvement of the most important divorce-related disorder i.e. depression. On the other hand, by providing the training of proper behavioral patterns for the target population members, this intervention can create a better condition for these people in the future.