The relationship between positive mastery recollections and hopelessness in older adults

INTERVENTION: The intervention will consist of a reminiscence activity (lasting approximately 20 minutes in a single session). In the face‐to‐face session, participants are asked by a psychologist several questions that prompt memories of situations in which they were successful at solving problems or overcoming obstacles. These questions are designed to prime the participant to remember mastery related experiences. CONDITION: Hopelessness Mood Self efficacy PRIMARY OUTCOME: Mean level of hopelessness, as measured by Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Mean level of depressed mood as measured by the Profile of Mood States (Short form depressed subscale) Mean level of self‐efficacy as measured by Pearline Mastery Scale INCLUSION CRITERIA: To be eligible for the study, participants must (a) be at least 60 years (b) report high levels of hopeleness (as indicated by a score of 2 or more on item 2 of the Beck Depression Inventory –II), (c) demonstrate adequate cognitive functioning (as indicated by a score of 23 or more on the Mini Mental Status Examination).