The Effects of a Reminiscence Program Using Media Archives on Psychological Well-Being and Subjective Memory in Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: The Mediating Role of Depression on Memory Controllability

Objective: This study explored the effects of a reminiscence program, using broadcast media archives, on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or cognitive decline. It focused on changes in memory controllability, depression, quality of life, and self-rated health and examined whether depression mediates changes in memory controllability. Methods: Forty-three older adults enrolled in adult daycare centers in Eunpyeong-gu participated in a 10-session, 12-week reminiscence program. Data from 30 participants who completed the pre- and post-intervention assessments were analyzed. Measures included memory controllability, depression, quality of life, and self-rated health. Depression was measured using the Short Form of Geriatric Depression Scale. Quality of life was determined using the EQ-5D. Paired t-tests were used to analyze pre-post changes, and mediation analysis was conducted to examine the indirect effect of depression. Analyses were performed using Jamovi 2.6.21and AMOS 30. Results: The program significantly improved memory controllability and reduced symptoms of depression (both p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in the quality of life or self-rated health. Depression had a significant complete mediating effect on memory controllability (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Media archive-based reminiscence programs may help improve emotional well-being and perceived memory control in cognitively impaired older adults, supporting their use as non-pharmacological interventions in clinical practice.