The effectiveness of Looking for meaning, a life-review course for elderly with depressive symptoms. A randomized controled trial

Depression among the elderly is a major health problem. Prevention can make an important contribution towards reducing the number of new cases. The main risk factor for depression is the presence of slight and moderate depressive symptoms. International studies have shown that integrative reminiscence reduces depressive symptoms. Integrative reminiscence is a low threshold method specifically developed for the elderly that involves their telling about and evaluating their lives. A reminiscence course called Looking for Meaning has been developed by the Trimbos Institute for elderly people with depressive symptoms. This course is already being given at numerous Mental Health Care Institutes. The assessment of the course?s effectiveness in general and its cost effectiveness in particular is a central part of the project. In Study 1 we conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of the course on depression, wellbeing, meaning in life and quality of life. This study also focuses on economic analyses. Study 2 uses qualitative methods (participant observation and interviews) to examine what the course means to the participants.