The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy on the Resilience and Satisfaction with Care in Mothers of Premature Infants Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Introduction: Mothers of preterm infants in the NICU face high psychological distress and reduced resilience. Enhancing resilience improves psychological adjustment and coping. Evidence on reminiscence therapy's effects on resilience and care satisfaction is limited. This study aimed to determine its effect on these outcomes in mothers of preterm infants.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 mothers of preterm infants in the NICU of Shohadaye Kargar Hospital were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received reminiscence therapy sessions twice weekly for two weeks, where mothers shared personal memories in a group setting guided by the researcher. The control group received routine ward education. Both groups received standard care. Data were collected using demographic forms, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Neonatal Index of Parent Satisfaction (NIP). Analysis was done with SPSS v.16, significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Pre-intervention resilience scores were comparable (control: 37.17±4.81; intervention: 39.77±4.22; p=0.30). Post-intervention, resilience increased significantly in both groups, but the intervention group showed a greater mean score (69.46±5.78 vs. 55.89±3.58; p=0.001). Satisfaction scores did not differ significantly between groups before (control: 93.63±5.61; intervention: 94.07±3.34; p=0.71) or after intervention (control: 78.63±6.32; intervention: 79.70±7.19; p=0.54).

Conclusion: Reminiscence therapy is a low-cost, effective psychological intervention that significantly enhances resilience in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU, though it does not affect their satisfaction with nursing care. Integrating this approach with routine care may support maternal mental health and psychosocial adaptation.