Mental HealthTRIMNCT07576855
Effect of a Telephone Reminiscence Intervention on Mental Health
A study testing Telephone Reminiscence Program in people with Mental Health, run by University of Connecticut at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to learn whether a telephone-based program that helps people share life memories can reduce loneliness and improve mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social support in older adults and their caregivers living in rural areas. This study has two parts. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Mental Health
- What is being tested?
- Telephone Reminiscence Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 170 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Older adults aged 60 years or older living in a rural area and their caregivers aged 18 or older..
- Able to read and speak English.
- Living in a rural area as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Has an informal caregiver (family member, partner, friend, or neighbor) willing to participate, or is an informal caregiver of an eligible older adult.
- Able to participate in telephone-based activities.
Who cannot join
- Significant hearing impairment that would interfere with telephone participation.
- Cognitive impairment as indicated by three or more errors on a brief cognitive screening assessment.
- Participation in the program development phase of this study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, 06269
Juliette Shellman, PhD, RN, 860-341-1177, juliette.shellman@uconn.edu
About this study
Official title: Strengthening Bonds: A Telephone Reminiscence Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation and Improve Mental Health in Rural Older Adults
The goal of this study is to learn whether a telephone-based program that helps people share life memories can reduce loneliness and improve mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social support in older adults and their caregivers living in rural areas.
This study has two parts. In the first part, researchers will gather feedback from a small group of older adults and informal caregivers to see if the updated telephone reminiscence program works well and is easy to use.
Read more
In the second part, researchers will test the telephone reminiscence program in a clinical trial study to see whether the updated telephone reminiscence program reduces loneliness and improves social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being in older adults and their caregivers. The researchers will also examine how the program impacts how often and for what reason you reminisce.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
- Does the telephone reminiscence program improve social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being and reduce loneliness in rural older adults and their caregivers? How does the telephone reminiscence impact how often and for what reason participants reminisce?
- How often and how long do participants use the program?
- How satisfied are older adults and informal caregivers with the program? In this study researchers will compare participants who begin the telephone reminiscence program right away with participants who start the program after a 12-week waiting period to see whether starting the program earlier leads to better outcomes.
Participants will:
- Take part in telephone calls 3 times a week that invite older adults to talk about their life experiences.
- Answer brief survey questions about social support, loneliness, and mental well-being, and life satisfaction over time.
- Include both older adults and their informal caregivers, who may also participate by recording questions in their own voice.
Read the detailed description
This study evaluates a telephone based reminiscence program designed to reduce social isolation and improve mental health among older adults living in rural areas, while also engaging informal caregivers who support them. The study consists of two sequential parts: an initial development and refinement phase, followed by a randomized wait list controlled clinical trial.
Study Overview and Rationale Older adults living in rural areas experience high levels of social isolation and limited access to supportive services due to geographic distance, transportation barriers, and reduced availability of technology based resources. Many older adults in rural communities rely on landline telephones and do not have consistent access to broadband internet, creating barriers to participation in digital health interventions. Telephone based programs that do not require internet access may offer a low burden, scalable approach to supporting mental well being and social connection in these populations.
Reminiscence based interventions encourage individuals to reflect on meaningful life experiences and share personal stories. Prior research suggests that reminiscence can support emotional well being, reinforce identity, and promote a sense of connection. This study builds on previous work evaluating a telephone reminiscence program and extends it by improving accessibility for rural users and formally testing its effectiveness over a longer intervention period.
Part 1: Program Refinement and Feasibility Assessment The first part of the study focuses on refining and enhancing the telephone reminiscence program to improve accessibility, usability, and acceptability for rural older adults and informal caregivers. A total of 16 older adult-caregiver dyads will participate in short term (four week) use of the enhanced program and provide feedback through structured discussions and surveys.
Data collected in this phase inform refinements to the program's functionality, including ease of interaction using landline telephones, clarity of prompts, and caregiver involvement features (such as the ability for caregivers to record questions in their own voice). Findings from Part 1 are used to finalize the version of the program evaluated in the clinical trial phase.
Part 2: Randomized Wait List Controlled Clinical Trial The second part of the study is a randomized, parallel group, wait list controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of the telephone reminiscence program on social and mental health outcomes in a larger sample of rural older adults and their informal caregivers. A total of 170 older adult-informal caregiver dyads will be enrolled in this phase of the study.
After completion of baseline assessments, eligible participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- An immediate intervention group (85 dyads), which begins the telephone reminiscence program right away
- A wait list group (85 dyads), which begins the same program after a 12 week waiting period All participants eventually receive access to the intervention. The comparison between groups during the initial 12 week period allows evaluation of whether earlier participation in the program leads to improvements in social support, loneliness, and mental well being.
Intervention Description The telephone reminiscence program consists of automated phone calls delivered up to three times per week over a 12 week period. During each call, older adult participants are invited to respond to simple, meaningful questions about their life experiences and memories. Participants may choose how much or how little they wish to share during each call, and calls can be ended at any time.
Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also take part by recording personalized questions or prompts in their own voice, enabling a sense of connection and engagement between calls. The intervention does not require internet access, smartphones, or computer use.
Study Outcomes and Assessments Outcome assessments are conducted at baseline and at follow up time points aligned with the intervention and wait list periods. Primary outcomes focus on changes in social support, loneliness, and mental well being among older adults. Secondary outcomes include adherence to the program, frequency and duration of use, and changes in reminiscence patterns. Satisfaction with the program is assessed for both older adults and informal caregivers.
Sample Size and Statistical Considerations The sample size of 170 dyads in the randomized trial phase is based on power calculations informed by prior studies of the telephone reminiscence program and is sufficient to detect moderate differences in primary social and mental health outcomes between the immediate intervention and wait list groups. Statistical analyses will compare changes in outcomes between groups during the first 12 weeks, with additional analyses examining within participant changes over time and associations between program engagement and outcomes.
Ethical Considerations This study is considered minimal risk. All participants eventually receive access to the intervention, and participation is voluntary. The wait list design allows evaluation of intervention effects while ensuring equitable access to the program.
- Conditions
- Mental Health
- Being tested
- Telephone Reminiscence Program
- Keywords
- Older Adults, Telephone-Based Intervention, Reminiscence, Mental Well-Being
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Telephone Reminiscence ProgramBehavioural
The telephone reminiscence program is a 12-week behavioral intervention designed to support social connection and mental well-being among older adults living in rural areas. The program consists of automated telephone calls delivered up to three times per week that invite older adult participants to respond to simple, meaningful questions about their life experiences and memories. Participants may share as much or as little as they wish during each call and may end the call at any time. Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also take part by recording personalized questions or prompts in their own voice. The program does not require internet access, smartphones, or computer use.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Telephone Reminiscence Program | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will begin the 12-week telephone-based reminiscence program immediately after baseline assessment. Older adults will receive automated telephone calls up to three times per week that invite them to respond to meaningful questions about their life experiences. Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also participate by recording personalized questions in their own voice. Participants will complete outcome assessments at baseline and at follow-up time points during and after the intervention period. Receives: Behavioral: Telephone Reminiscence Program |
| Wait-List Control (Delayed Telephone Reminiscence Program) | No intervention | Participants assigned to this arm will not receive the telephone-based reminiscence program during the initial 12-week period following baseline assessment. Participants in this wait-list control arm will complete the same outcome assessments as the immediate intervention group. After the 12-week waiting period, participants will begin the same 12-week telephone reminiscence program. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mental Well-Being
The Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) will be used to assess mental health and well-being. The 14 item scale measures emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of mental health. Participants answer each item on a 6-point scale, ranging from 0 and 5, resulting in a total score between 0 to 70. The emotional well-being subscale has a range from 0 to 15, the social well-being subscale scores range from 0 to 25, and the psychological well-being subscale scores range from 0 to 30. Higher scores on MHC- SF indicate a higher level of mental well-being. The MHC-SF has demonstrated excellent internal consistency (>.80) and discriminant validity in adults in the United States, and its test-retest reliability has also been demonstrated, with an average of 0.68 over three consecutive three-month periods and 0.65 over a 9-month period.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
Social Support
Social support will be measured using 11-item Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), designed to provide a quick and reliable assessment of social support among older adults. This scale evaluates social support across two domains, including social interactions and subjective support. The total score of the scale ranges from 11 to 33. A higher score indicates more social support. The 11-item DSSI demonstrates strong reliability and validity. The scale's internal consistency is reflected in a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77 for elderly populations and its Test-retest reliability scores range from 0.70 to 0.81.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
Loneliness
Loneliness will be measured UCLA 3 Item Loneliness Scale is a brief 3-item scale that measures three dimensions of loneliness: relational connectedness, social connectedness, and self. Responses are provided on a 3-point (response scale ranging from "hardly" to "often", with total scores ranging from 3 to 9. The instrument has favorable psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (ranging from 0.89 to 0.94) and a good test-retest reliability over one year (r = 0.73).
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
Life satisfaction
Life satisfaction will be measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, which assesses overall cognitive judgments of one's life satisfaction. Higher scores indicate greater life satisfaction.
Measured: Baseline, 12, 24 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Program Adherence
Program adherence will be assessed by the proportion of scheduled telephone calls completed by participants during the intervention period.
Measured: During the 12-week intervention period
Frequency and Duration of Program Use
Frequency and duration of use will be assessed by the number of telephone reminiscence calls completed per week and the duration of each call during the intervention period.
Measured: During the 12-week intervention period
Reminiscence Functions
Reminiscence Functions will be assessed using the Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale (MRFS), a 29-item questionnaire that measures how often people use different types of reminiscence. The scale captures multiple reminiscence functions, including self-regard, death preparation, bitterness revival, conversation, intimacy maintenance, teaching and informing, and boredom reduction. Participants rate how often they engage in each type of reminiscence on a 5-point scale ranging from never to very often. Higher scores indicate more frequent use of a specific reminiscence function. The MRFS has demonstrated good reliability, with strong internal consistency across subscales.
Measured: Baseline, 12, 24 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 May 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionAug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (28)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mental HealthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 170 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Connecticut
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Juliette Shellman, University of Connecticut
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576855
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-311-910 / B2025-0454
- Other IDs
- 1R44AG097382-01
- Acronym
- TRIM
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 4 May 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
O'Rourke N, Cappeliez P, Claxton A. Functions of reminiscence and the psychological well-being of young-old and older adults over time. Aging Ment Health. 2011 Mar;15(2):272-81. doi: 10.1080/13607861003713281. Epub 2010 Dec 6.
PubMed 21140308Cappeliez P, O'Rourke N. Empirical validation of a model of reminiscence and health in later life. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2006 Jul;61(4):P237-44. doi: 10.1093/geronb/61.4.p237.
PubMed 16855036Shellman JM, Zhang D. Psychometric testing of the Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale. J Nurs Meas. 2014;22(3):500-10. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.22.3.500.
PubMed 25608435Washington G. Modification and psychometric testing of the Reminiscence Functions Scale. J Nurs Meas. 2009;17(2):134-47. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.17.2.134.
PubMed 19711711Lamers SM, Westerhof GJ, Bohlmeijer ET, ten Klooster PM, Keyes CL. Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). J Clin Psychol. 2011 Jan;67(1):99-110. doi: 10.1002/jclp.20741.
PubMed 20973032Keyes CL. Mental health in adolescence: is America's youth flourishing? Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2006 Jul;76(3):395-402. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.76.3.395.
PubMed 16981819Keyes CL. Mental illness and/or mental health? Investigating axioms of the complete state model of health. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2005 Jun;73(3):539-48. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.73.3.539.
PubMed 15982151Russell DW. UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): reliability, validity, and factor structure. J Pers Assess. 1996 Feb;66(1):20-40. doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa6601_2.
PubMed 8576833Goodger B, Byles J, Higganbotham N, Mishra G. Assessment of a short scale to measure social support among older people. Aust N Z J Public Health. 1999 Jun;23(3):260-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1999.tb01253.x.
PubMed 10388169Krueger RA, Casey MA. Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. third. Sage Publications, Inc; 2000.
The US Census Bureau. Urban and Rural. https://www.census.gov/programs- surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/urban-rural.html. Published 2023.
Krippendorff K. Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology. Fourth Edi. SAGE Publications, Inc.; 2019. doi:10.4135/9781071878781
Yang, Y., Toussaint, B., Harbaran, S., Likamora, E., Graham, C., & Shellman, J. (2024). Analysis of the Impact of a Telephone Reminiscence Program on Mental Health for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mixed- Methods Study [Poster Presentation]. ICLIP 2024 Virtual Conference " Keeping our Legacy Alive: Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future".
Valtorta NK, Kanaan M, Gilbody S, Ronzi S, Hanratty B. Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies. Heart. 2016 Jul 1;102(13):1009-16. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308790. Epub 2016 Apr 18.
PubMed 27091846Golaszewski NM, LaCroix AZ, Godino JG, Allison MA, Manson JE, King JJ, Weitlauf JC, Bea JW, Garcia L, Kroenke CH, Saquib N, Cannell B, Nguyen S, Bellettiere J. Evaluation of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Women in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Feb 1;5(2):e2146461. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.46461.
PubMed 35107574
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Strengthening Bonds: A Telephone Reminiscence Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation and Improve Mental Health in Rural Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07576855
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TRIM / 25-311-910 / B2025-0454
- Conditions
- Mental Health
- Keywords
- Older Adults, Telephone-Based Intervention, Reminiscence, Mental Well-Being
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 170 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ConnecticutUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to learn whether a telephone-based program that helps people share life memories can reduce loneliness and improve mental well-being, life satisfaction, and social support in older adults and their caregivers living in rural areas.
This study has two parts. In the first part, researchers will gather feedback from a small group of older adults and informal caregivers to see if the updated telephone reminiscence program works well and is easy to use.
In the second part, researchers will test the telephone reminiscence program in a clinical trial study to see whether the updated telephone reminiscence program reduces loneliness and improves social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being in older adults and their caregivers. The researchers will also examine how the program impacts how often and for what reason you reminisce.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
- Does the telephone reminiscence program improve social support, life satisfaction, and mental well-being and reduce loneliness in rural older adults and their caregivers? How does the telephone reminiscence impact how often and for what reason participants reminisce?
- How often and how long do participants use the program?
- How satisfied are older adults and informal caregivers with the program? In this study researchers will compare participants who begin the telephone reminiscence program right away with participants who start the program after a 12-week waiting period to see whether starting the program earlier leads to better outcomes.
Participants will:
- Take part in telephone calls 3 times a week that invite older adults to talk about their life experiences.
- Answer brief survey questions about social support, loneliness, and mental well-being, and life satisfaction over time.
- Include both older adults and their informal caregivers, who may also participate by recording questions in their own voice.
Detailed description
This study evaluates a telephone based reminiscence program designed to reduce social isolation and improve mental health among older adults living in rural areas, while also engaging informal caregivers who support them. The study consists of two sequential parts: an initial development and refinement phase, followed by a randomized wait list controlled clinical trial.
Study Overview and Rationale Older adults living in rural areas experience high levels of social isolation and limited access to supportive services due to geographic distance, transportation barriers, and reduced availability of technology based resources. Many older adults in rural communities rely on landline telephones and do not have consistent access to broadband internet, creating barriers to participation in digital health interventions. Telephone based programs that do not require internet access may offer a low burden, scalable approach to supporting mental well being and social connection in these populations.
Reminiscence based interventions encourage individuals to reflect on meaningful life experiences and share personal stories. Prior research suggests that reminiscence can support emotional well being, reinforce identity, and promote a sense of connection. This study builds on previous work evaluating a telephone reminiscence program and extends it by improving accessibility for rural users and formally testing its effectiveness over a longer intervention period.
Part 1: Program Refinement and Feasibility Assessment The first part of the study focuses on refining and enhancing the telephone reminiscence program to improve accessibility, usability, and acceptability for rural older adults and informal caregivers. A total of 16 older adult-caregiver dyads will participate in short term (four week) use of the enhanced program and provide feedback through structured discussions and surveys.
Data collected in this phase inform refinements to the program's functionality, including ease of interaction using landline telephones, clarity of prompts, and caregiver involvement features (such as the ability for caregivers to record questions in their own voice). Findings from Part 1 are used to finalize the version of the program evaluated in the clinical trial phase.
Part 2: Randomized Wait List Controlled Clinical Trial The second part of the study is a randomized, parallel group, wait list controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of the telephone reminiscence program on social and mental health outcomes in a larger sample of rural older adults and their informal caregivers. A total of 170 older adult-informal caregiver dyads will be enrolled in this phase of the study.
After completion of baseline assessments, eligible participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- An immediate intervention group (85 dyads), which begins the telephone reminiscence program right away
- A wait list group (85 dyads), which begins the same program after a 12 week waiting period All participants eventually receive access to the intervention. The comparison between groups during the initial 12 week period allows evaluation of whether earlier participation in the program leads to improvements in social support, loneliness, and mental well being.
Intervention Description The telephone reminiscence program consists of automated phone calls delivered up to three times per week over a 12 week period. During each call, older adult participants are invited to respond to simple, meaningful questions about their life experiences and memories. Participants may choose how much or how little they wish to share during each call, and calls can be ended at any time.
Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also take part by recording personalized questions or prompts in their own voice, enabling a sense of connection and engagement between calls. The intervention does not require internet access, smartphones, or computer use.
Study Outcomes and Assessments Outcome assessments are conducted at baseline and at follow up time points aligned with the intervention and wait list periods. Primary outcomes focus on changes in social support, loneliness, and mental well being among older adults. Secondary outcomes include adherence to the program, frequency and duration of use, and changes in reminiscence patterns. Satisfaction with the program is assessed for both older adults and informal caregivers.
Sample Size and Statistical Considerations The sample size of 170 dyads in the randomized trial phase is based on power calculations informed by prior studies of the telephone reminiscence program and is sufficient to detect moderate differences in primary social and mental health outcomes between the immediate intervention and wait list groups. Statistical analyses will compare changes in outcomes between groups during the first 12 weeks, with additional analyses examining within participant changes over time and associations between program engagement and outcomes.
Ethical Considerations This study is considered minimal risk. All participants eventually receive access to the intervention, and participation is voluntary. The wait list design allows evaluation of intervention effects while ensuring equitable access to the program.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Telephone Reminiscence Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Telephone Reminiscence ProgramParticipants assigned to this arm will begin the 12-week telephone-based reminiscence program immediately after baseline assessment. Older adults will receive automated telephone calls up to three times per week that invite them to respond to meaningful questions about their life experiences. Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also participate by recording personalized questions in their own voice. Participants will complete outcome assessments at baseline and at follow-up time points during and after the intervention period. |
| Wait-List Control (Delayed Telephone Reminiscence Program) | No intervention | –Participants assigned to this arm will not receive the telephone-based reminiscence program during the initial 12-week period following baseline assessment. Participants in this wait-list control arm will complete the same outcome assessments as the immediate intervention group. After the 12-week waiting period, participants will begin the same 12-week telephone reminiscence program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Older adults aged 60 years or older living in a rural area and their caregivers aged 18 or older..
- Able to read and speak English.
- Living in a rural area as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Has an informal caregiver (family member, partner, friend, or neighbor) willing to participate, or is an informal caregiver of an eligible older adult.
- Able to participate in telephone-based activities.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Significant hearing impairment that would interfere with telephone participation.
- Cognitive impairment as indicated by three or more errors on a brief cognitive screening assessment.
- Participation in the program development phase of this study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone Reminiscence ProgramThe telephone reminiscence program is a 12-week behavioral intervention designed to support social connection and mental well-being among older adults living in rural areas. The program consists of automated telephone calls delivered up to three times per week that invite older adult participants to respond to simple, meaningful questions about their life experiences and memories. Participants may share as much or as little as they wish during each call and may end the call at any time. Informal caregivers associated with participating older adults may also take part by recording personalized questions or prompts in their own voice. The program does not require internet access, smartphones, or computer use. | Behavioural | Immediate Telephone Reminiscence Program |
Primary outcome
Mental Well-Being
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
The Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) will be used to assess mental health and well-being. The 14 item scale measures emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of mental health. Participants answer each item on a 6-point scale, ranging from 0 and 5, resulting in a total score between 0 to 70. The emotional well-being subscale has a range from 0 to 15, the social well-being subscale scores range from 0 to 25, and the psychological well-being subscale scores range from 0 to 30. Higher scores on MHC- SF indicate a higher level of mental well-being. The MHC-SF has demonstrated excellent internal consistency (>.80) and discriminant validity in adults in the United States, and its test-retest reliability has also been demonstrated, with an average of 0.68 over three consecutive three-month periods and 0.65 over a 9-month period.
Social Support
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
Social support will be measured using 11-item Duke Social Support Index (DSSI), designed to provide a quick and reliable assessment of social support among older adults. This scale evaluates social support across two domains, including social interactions and subjective support. The total score of the scale ranges from 11 to 33. A higher score indicates more social support. The 11-item DSSI demonstrates strong reliability and validity. The scale's internal consistency is reflected in a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77 for elderly populations and its Test-retest reliability scores range from 0.70 to 0.81.
Loneliness
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks
Loneliness will be measured UCLA 3 Item Loneliness Scale is a brief 3-item scale that measures three dimensions of loneliness: relational connectedness, social connectedness, and self. Responses are provided on a 3-point (response scale ranging from "hardly" to "often", with total scores ranging from 3 to 9. The instrument has favorable psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (ranging from 0.89 to 0.94) and a good test-retest reliability over one year (r = 0.73).
Life satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline, 12, 24 weeks
Life satisfaction will be measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, which assesses overall cognitive judgments of one's life satisfaction. Higher scores indicate greater life satisfaction.
3 secondary outcomes
Program Adherence
Time frame: During the 12-week intervention period
Frequency and Duration of Program Use
Time frame: During the 12-week intervention period
Reminiscence Functions
Time frame: Baseline, 12, 24 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Aug 2026.
- Background: PubMed 21140308O'Rourke N, Cappeliez P, Claxton A. Functions of reminiscence and the psychological well-being of young-old and older adults over time. Aging Ment Health. 2011 Mar;15(2):272-81. doi: 10.1080/13607861003713281. Epub 2010 Dec 6.
- Background: PubMed 16855036Cappeliez P, O'Rourke N. Empirical validation of a model of reminiscence and health in later life. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2006 Jul;61(4):P237-44. doi: 10.1093/geronb/61.4.p237.
- Background: PubMed 25608435Shellman JM, Zhang D. Psychometric testing of the Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale. J Nurs Meas. 2014;22(3):500-10. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.22.3.500.
- Background: PubMed 19711711Washington G. Modification and psychometric testing of the Reminiscence Functions Scale. J Nurs Meas. 2009;17(2):134-47. doi: 10.1891/1061-3749.17.2.134.
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- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Telephone Reminiscence Program in people with Mental Health, run by University of Connecticut at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Juliette Shellman, PhD, RN (860-341-1177, lifestory@uconn.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mental Well-Being (time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07576855, which also lists 28 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Aug 2026.