The Effectiveness of Structural Reminiscence on Anxiety and Aggression in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

Anxiety and aggression are common problems in old age, which is often accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and physical decline. Older adults are more prone to anxiety and aggression due to decreased self-confidence, reduced activity and mobility, loss of loved ones, chronic diseases, and similar factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of structured reminiscence on anxiety and aggression in older people living in nursing homes. The research design was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included all older adults living in nursing homes in Mashhad in 2024, among which one nursing home was randomly selected. The statistical sample included 30 older adults selected using convenience sampling and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 people) and a control group (15 people). The experimental group underwent the structured reminiscence protocol in eight weekly 90-minute sessions. The data collection tools included Eysenck and Wilson’s aggression questionnaire and Beck’s anxiety inventory. Data were analyzed through univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS-26 software. The findings of the study showed that structured reminiscence was effective in reducing anxiety and aggression in older adults. Therefore, it can be concluded that structured reminiscence has a positive effect on improving the psychological well-being of older adults. Therefore, the social workers, counselors, psychologists, and health care providers working in the field of aging are recommended to take advantage of structured reminiscence in their treatment programs and intervention measures.