Reminiscence and Life Review in Health Care

Reminiscence and Life Review What is Reminiscence and Life Review?

Reminiscence and life review are methodologies that involve recalling and reflecting on past experiences, but they differ in their depth and structure. Both processes utilize memory as a central component, but they serve different purposes and are applied in various contexts.

Reminiscence is a naturally occurring mental phenomenon that involves recalling past experiences. It is a multifaceted, multipurpose activity that happens throughout the lifespan and can occur in different forms and contexts. Reminiscence can be spontaneous or structured and serves various functions, including personal reflection, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation.

Life review, on the other hand, is a more structured and intensive form of reminiscence. It involves a systematic process of reviewing and evaluating one’s life experiences, integrating both positive and negative memories to create a coherent and meaningful narrative. The life review process is often conducted on a one-to-one basis and aims to help individuals achieve a sense of closure and coherence about their lives.

Similarities in Reminiscence and Life Review

Despite their differences, reminiscence and life review share several similarities:

1. Memory Utilization: Both reminiscence and life review rely on memory as a key component. They involve recalling past experiences and reflecting on their significance.
2. Psychological and Emotional Benefits: Both processes can provide psychological and emotional benefits. They help individuals make sense of their past, enhance self-understanding, and contribute to emotional well-being.
3. Context of Use: Both reminiscence and life review are used in various therapeutic and supportive contexts, such as in clinical settings, nursing homes, and community programs.
4. Focus on Personal Experience: Both approaches center on the individual’s personal experiences and narratives, aiming to help them integrate and make sense of their life events.

While reminiscence and life review share these similarities, they differ in their approach, depth, and goals. Reminiscence can be more casual and spontaneous, whereas life review is a more deliberate and structured process.

Nursing Research on Reminiscence and Life Review

Nursing research on reminiscence and life review has explored their effectiveness in various contexts, particularly with older adults. Researchers have utilized both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study these processes.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative studies have examined the impact of reminiscence and life review on various outcomes, such as depression, cognitive function, and overall well-being. For example, Haight, Michel, and Hendrix (2000) conducted a longitudinal study with nursing home residents and found that life review had a positive effect on depression, with therapeutic outcomes increasing over time.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research has explored the personal experiences and narratives of individuals engaged in reminiscence and life review. Studies have used narrative approaches to gather in-depth insights into how individuals experience and benefit from these processes. For instance, Heliker (1997) used a narrative approach to gather data from nursing home residents, revealing how personal and shared meanings can guide the development of patient care interventions.

Research has also focused on the practical applications of reminiscence and life review in clinical settings. For example, McDougall, Blixen, and Lee-Jen (1997) used life review psychotherapy with depressed homebound older adults, showing that it facilitated their ability to live independently and remain at home. Additionally, they found that home health nurses could bill for this intervention as part of their services.

Reminiscence Theory: “Eight Ages of Man”

One of the most influential theories in reminiscence research is Erik Erikson’s theory of the “Eight Ages of Man.” Erikson described the final stage of life as one of achieving integrity, where individuals reflect on their lives and accept them as they have been lived. He posited that those who achieve integrity experience a sense of fulfillment and coherence, while those who do not may experience despair.

Erikson’s Theory: Erikson’s theory suggests that life review is a critical process for achieving integrity. By reviewing and integrating their life experiences, individuals can come to terms with their past and achieve a sense of wholeness and satisfaction. This theory underscores the importance of life review in promoting psychological well-being and acceptance in later life.

Gerotranscendence: Tornstam (1999) proposed the theory of gerotranscendence as an alternative to Erikson’s theory. Gerotranscendence focuses on the process of transcending traditional roles and identities to achieve a higher level of wisdom and understanding. Tornstam argued that reminiscence contributes to this process by helping individuals reconstruct their identity and understand their reality.

Circumplex Model: Webster (2003) proposed a circumplex model that bridges the fields of autobiographical memory and reminiscence. This model aims to integrate various aspects of reminiscence research and provide a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals process and make sense of their life stories.

Critical View About Reminiscence

While reminiscence and life review have been widely studied and practiced, there are critical perspectives on their effectiveness and application:

Lack of Research-Based Evidence: A critical review published in the Canadian Journal of Nursing Research highlighted that, despite the numerous publications on reminiscence, only a few studies were research-based. The authors emphasized the need for more rigorous research to validate the effectiveness of reminiscence and life review interventions (Buchanan et al., 2002).

Narrative Approaches: Qualitative studies have shown that narrative approaches, such as life stories and personal narratives, can provide valuable insights into individuals’ experiences. For example, Melia (1999) used a narrative approach to examine the lives of religious women and found continuity and growth in their lives. However, more research is needed to explore the functions and outcomes of reminiscence and life review in different populations and contexts.

Effectiveness with Specific Conditions: Research has indicated that reminiscence and life review can be effective in addressing depression and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. However, there is a need for further exploration of their effectiveness with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. Future research should focus on refining these interventions and understanding their impact on various aspects of mental health and well-being.

Practical Application and Integration: Integrating reminiscence and life review into clinical practice requires careful consideration of individual needs and contexts. Practitioners need to be trained in these techniques and understand their potential benefits and limitations. Additionally, there should be a focus on developing innovative programs and interventions that address the diverse needs of individuals engaging in reminiscence and life review.

Conclusion

Reminiscence and life review are valuable methodologies for recalling and reflecting on past experiences, offering psychological and emotional benefits. While they share similarities, they differ in their approach and depth, with life review being a more structured and intensive process. Nursing research has explored the effectiveness of these processes in various contexts, highlighting their potential benefits for older adults and individuals with specific conditions.

Theories such as Erikson’s Eight Ages of Man and Tornstam’s gerotranscendence provide valuable insights into the role of reminiscence in achieving psychological well-being and acceptance. However, there are critical perspectives on the need for more research-based evidence and practical integration of these interventions into clinical practice. Future research should focus on refining and expanding these methodologies to enhance their effectiveness and applicability in diverse populations and settings.