ABSTRACT
Self-esteem is an important aspect of adaptation in all stages of life, which in ageing time finds more importance, especially in mental health of elderly people. Reminiscence is a form of group psychotherapy, through which self-esteem and social intimacy through review of past experience will be affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reminiscence group therapy on self-esteem among the elderly in nursing home in Uromie. This research was an experimental study in which elderly people of Ferdous, Azahra, Ara and Khane Sabz nursing homes had the required conditions to enter the study program based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After cloning senior center groups, the two groups were randomly assigned as the intervention and control groups. Reminiscence group therapy sessions in the intervention group at each center consisted of 8 sessions, held twice a week. Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire both before and after the intervention and control groups were completed by the elderly. Data Analysis with SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics was performed. Our results showed that group reminiscence therapy increased self-esteem scores mean in the intervention group [28.95 +/- 1.60] compared to those before [26.30 +/- 3.09]. Comparison of self-esteem scores mean between the intervention and control groups after the intervention was statistically significant [P<0.001]. Implementing of reminiscence group therapy had a positive influence on self-esteem of the elderly. This intervention as an inexpensive, easy and independent measure in nursing in all nursing homes and homes is recommended