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Comparing the effects of reminiscence therapy and reality therapy on death anxiety in the elderly
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Zahra Rahbar   , Simindokht Rezakhani * , Reza Khakpour |
| Roudehen branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran |
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Abstract: (27 Views) |
Introduction: Death anxiety is one of the fundamental concerns in old age, which can affect quality of life and mental health. The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of reality therapy and structured reminiscence on death anxiety among elderly women in Tehran.
Methods: This study was a non-randomized clinical trial with a pretest, posttest, and control group design. The statistical population consisted of all elderly women visiting day care centers in Tehran during the winter of 2023. Thirty-six volunteers were randomly assigned to three groups: reality therapy, structured reminiscence, and control. The interventions consisted of eight weekly 45-minute sessions. Data collection tools included the Death Anxiety Questionnaire, the Life Attitude Index, and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS version 25.
Results: The results showed that the mean total death anxiety score in the posttest was significantly lower in the reality therapy group (6.91 ± 1.62) and the reminiscence therapy group (4.42 ± 1.56) compared to the control group (10.67 ± 1.50). Furthermore, reminiscence therapy led to a greater reduction in total death anxiety than reality therapy.
Conclusion: Both reality therapy and structured reminiscence can reduce death anxiety in the elderly. Utilizing these therapies in health and social programs is important and can help improve the mental health of older adults. |
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| Keywords: Death anxiety, reality therapy, reminiscence therapy, aged |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Eldely mental and psychological issues
Received: 2025/09/24 | Accepted: 2026/03/30 | Published: 2026/03/30
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