Enhancing homework adherence of Chinese older adults: A case study using Instrumental Reminiscence Intervention

• Published in: Geriatrics & gerontology international Vol. 16; no. 10; pp. 1153 - 1160
• Main Authors: Lou, Vivian Wei Qun, Au, Judith Wing Nam, Choy, Jacky Chak Pui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Aged; Aging - physiology; Chinese older adults; Cognitive Therapy - methods; Cohort Studies; Depressive Disorder - ethnology; Depressive Disorder - psychology; Depressive Disorder - therapy; Female; Geriatric Assessment - methods; Geriatric psychology; Group therapy; Homework; homework adherence; Hong Kong; Humans; Instrumental Reminiscence Interventions; Male; Mental depression; Older people; Patient Compliance - statistics & numerical data; Prospective Studies; Psychotherapy, Group - methods; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Chinese older adults; Instrumental Reminiscence Interventions; group therapy; homework adherence
• ISSN: 1444-1586; 1447-0594
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12595

Aim The present study aimed to examine effective clinical strategies that facilitate homework adherence among Chinese older adults who participated in group therapy using Instrumental Reminiscence Intervention (IRI) to reduce depressive symptoms. Methods Examination was based on IRI for 15 groups of older adults, with four to eight participants in each group. Homework assignment was included as a core component of the intervention in each session, except the first session. Particular emphasis was put on both homework design and assignment strategies. Results Two effective strategies were developed. The first was the development of a tactic card as a tool for homework content and assignment. The second strategy was interventionist training. Clinical examples are used to illustrate how these strategies can enhance homework adherence in a Chinese context. Conclusions The two clinical strategies were found to be effective in enhancing homework adherence among Chinese older participants in a group therapy setting. These strategies are recommended for use in group clinical settings for Chinese participants. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1153–1160.