Comparative Efficacy of Morita Therapy and Structured Reminiscence on Aging Perceptions and Quality of Life among Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Due to comorbid physical complications, older adults with type 2 diabetes are highly susceptible to negative perceptions of aging and diminished quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Morita therapy and structured reminiscence interventions in improving aging perceptions and QoL within this population.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study employing a pretest-posttest control group design with a follow-up phase was conducted. The study population comprised all older adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Ahvaz in 2025. A convenient sampling method was utilized to recruit 45 participants. Data collection instruments included the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ; Barker et al., 2007) and the Life-Quality Questionnaire for the Elderly (L-QOL; DeLeo et al., 1998). Two experimental groups underwent an eight-week intervention program, consisting of weekly 90-minute sessions based on established Morita therapy and structured reminiscence protocols. Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a two-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) via SPSS version 24.
Results: The findings revealed that both Morita therapy and structured reminiscence significantly improved aging perceptions and QoL in older adults with type 2 diabetes (P < .05). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found between the two interventions regarding their comparative efficacy on these psychological outcomes.
Conclusion: Both Morita therapy and structured reminiscence serve as potent and clinically valuable psychological interventions for enhancing the psychological well-being of older adults managing type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Morita therapy, structured reminiscence, perception of aging, quality of life, type 2.