This study was investigated the effects of the group art therapy with reminiscence on cognitive function, depression and quality of life of a demented elderly.
For the quasi-experimental research, a total 41 elderly who ranged from 15 to 23 of total
scores of MMSE-K, over 65 years, in a long term care facilities in the K city. They were
divided into an experimental group with 20 elderly and a control group with 21 elderly.
The data were collected from April 30 to August 5, 2004. The structured group art therapy program with reminiscence was applied to the experimental group conducted twice a week, 60 minutes per session for eight weeks.
There was not significantly difference in the cognitive function between two group but significantly difference between measurement time period of cognitive function.(p=.002). The
cognitive function of experimental group offered the group art therapy program with
reminiscence was improved because it appeared there was significantly difference in the
interaction between group and measurement time period(p=.000). Accordingly, the hypothesis
was supported.
As for the hypothesis that the experimental group offered the group art therapy program
with reminiscence had less depression scores than the control group, there is significant
difference between two groups(p=.020), but no significant difference between measurement
time period within the groups( p =.007).
The depression of experimental group offered the group art therapy program with reminiscence was reduced because it appeared there was significant difference in the interaction between group and measurement time period(p=.000). Accordingly, the hypothesis was supported.
As for the hypothesis that the experimental group offered the group art therapy program
with reminiscence had higher quality of life scores than the control group, there is significant between two groups(p=.004) and between measurement time period within the groups(p=.000).
The quality of life of experimental group offered the group art therapy program with reminiscence was improved because it appeared there was significant difference in the
interaction between group and measurement time period(p=.000). Accordingly, the hypothesis
was supported.
Key Words : Group Art Therapy, Reminiscence, Cognitive Function, Depression, Quality
of Life