Life review in pastoral counseling: background and efficacy for use with the terminally ill.
Research continues to confirm that sharing one's life story through the process of life review enhances psychological well-being and increases life satisfaction. Although researchers have outlined techniques and activities that may be used in life review with older adults, little work has focused on the use of life review methods with terminally ill patients. Additionally, researchers have suggested that life review can take on the form of a spiritual assessment; and that such spiritually oriented life reviews may enhance a sense of meaning and foster reconciliation as one approaches dying. In this article, the authors provide a brief review of the research on and the practice of life review. Further, by merging concepts of life review with systematic theology, they offer a sample instrument--using the example of one faith framework--with which pastoral caregivers can better approach the spiritual needs of patients and facilitate a less traumatic death in the terminally ill.
LeFavi
Robert G
RG
College of Health Professions, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, USA.
Wessels
Marcia H
MH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods*; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*