Drama therapy in late life: Taking life-story work one step further

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-36
Author(s):  
Dovrat Harel ◽  
Shoshi Keisari
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Process ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Drama Therapy ◽  
Psychological Development ◽  
Unfinished Business ◽  
Integrative View ◽  
One Step ◽  
Story Work

Integrating life-story work with drama therapy creates new opportunities for the psychological development of older adults. In this conceptual article we suggest five qualities of dramatic reality by which this integration can promote psychological development in old age: its ability (1) to evoke a story, (2) to bring together the personal and the collective, (3) to help in processing unfinished business, (4) to create an integrative view of the self and (5) to open the way to imagining the future. We illustrate each of the five qualities using vignettes from our previous research in the field and show how exploring the life stories of older adults through dramatic reality provides opportunities for active self-exploration in the ‘here and now’ of the group process in a way that goes beyond verbal life-story work.

scholarly journals Expanding the Role Repertoire While Aging: A Drama Therapy Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoshi Keisari
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Group Process ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Role Theory ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Drama Therapy ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Group Relationships

Drama therapy has been found to improve various facets of mental health while aging. It provides opportunities for personal growth and creative expression and enhances group relationships. Drama therapy is a widely acknowledged way to explore the life stories in late life. However, only a handful of studies have empirically explored the value of drama therapy for the aging population. This conceptual analysis was designed to address this need by developing a new integrative model of drama therapy. The analysis is based on the review of the results of four studies that explored the integration of life-review and playback theater as a drama therapy approach for older adults. The therapeutic process focused on the exploration of life-crossroads stories, a short unique technique which enables the participants to craft a harmonious view of their life stories in a short-term dramatic creative group process. Combining the four results yielded a multidimensional model which points to three potential transformative routes: the evolution of the life story, the evolution of improvised dramatic expression, and the expansion of social engagement. The transformative routes are described through the lens of role theory in drama therapy.

From reality disjunctions to dramatic reality: Bridging realities through the performance of life stories in dementia care

Dramatherapy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-133
Author(s):  
Christine Novy
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Therapy ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Drama Therapy ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Alternative Framework

This article explores the potential for a performative life story project to build bridges between different realities and, in so doing, to establish common ground between people who are living with dementia and members of their community. The discussion is anchored in a practice vignette from a single-case life story performance. Two features of the methodology, the ‘saying hullo again’ metaphor from narrative therapy and dramatic reality from drama therapy, are highlighted. Their combined effectiveness as an alternative framework for understanding and working with reality disjunctions in dementia care is discussed.

scholarly journals Exploring underexposed stories: the experienced lifecourse of financially excluded older adults

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Van Regenmortel ◽  
An-Sofie Smetcoren ◽  
Sara Marsillas ◽  
Deborah Lambotte ◽  
Bram Fret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Classical Education ◽  
Cultural Life ◽  
Life Story Interview ◽  
Individualised Care ◽  
Uncertain Future

AbstractTo gain insights into vulnerable lifecourses and give a voice to those often underrepresented in quantitative research, this study examines the life stories (past, present and future) of 19 financially excluded older adults using an adapted version of McAdams’ life-story interview scheme. Although these life stories demonstrate an accumulation of many disadvantages and an uncertain future because of current financial situations, the stories also reflect the generativity, resilience, coping strategies and agency of financially excluded older adults. We demonstrate how the experienced lifecourse is built around both negative and positive turning points and transitions which go beyond the classical education–work–retirement triumvirate, and how socio-cultural life scripts are used as a framework to build one's own life story in order to achieve continuity. The discussion highlights the potential for deploying the life-story method as a qualitative resource for providing individualised care.

scholarly journals More Vulnerable? The Life Story Approach Highlights Older People’s Potential for Strength During the Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majse Lind ◽  
Susan Bluck ◽  
Dan P McAdams
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Physical Status ◽  
Personal Memory ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Adaptive Use ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Temporal Focus ◽  
Older Citizens

Abstract Objectives Older adults have repeatedly been referred to as more physically vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, however, is not only about becoming physically ill. It has many psychosocial aspects: people are exposed to myriad life challenges. The life story approach does not ignore physical status but also emphasizes psychosocial strengths. It highlights that older people are likely to have developed resilience through experiencing life challenges and living across history. Method We used the narrative method to review research on three strengths: tendency toward life reflection, adaptive use of personal memory, and temporal focus encouraging generativity. Results For each, we (a) present evidence that this strength manifests in the second half of life, and (b) identify how it may specifically be applied in dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. In considering their life stories, the picture that emerges is one of older adults as having the potential to show considerable psychosocial strength despite the adversities of the pandemic. Discussion We conclude that during this period of sweeping change in the lives of individuals of all ages, our older citizens may act as valuable societal anchors.

scholarly journals Developing Life Stories for Nursing Home Residents and Examining the Impact on Residents and Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 44-44
Author(s):  
Miriam Rose ◽  
Farida Ejaz ◽  
Brian Polk
Keyword(s):  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Story Work ◽  
Sampling Procedures ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A life story program was implemented in 16 nursing homes (NHs) in Ohio with partners including a company specializing in life story work and a gerontological institute. The aim was to evaluate the impact of the life story program on residents and staff. NH sites were selected from an urban/suburban and a rural county using sampling procedures ensuring variation in auspice, quality star ratings and bed size. A longitudinal design was used to conduct in-person interviews with residents at baseline (prior to the life story interview), immediately after the interview, and approximately a month after most life story books were delivered to a NH. Resident eligibility criteria included being age 60 or older, Medicaid-eligible, long-stay and having no to moderate cognitive impairment. Residents’ (n=238) average age was 77 years, 66% were female, and 52% had resided in the NH for 1-5 years. Cognitive scores declined over time, but depressive symptomatology improved significantly. Residents had very high levels of satisfaction with care, enjoyed telling their life stories and would recommend the program; these findings did not change. A pre-post study design was used with staff (n=198), who included nurse aides, nurses, administrators, social workers and activity staff. Their average age was 44 years. Although staff job satisfaction did not change significantly, the vast majority enjoyed learning about residents’ life stories and used them in care planning. The findings demonstrate that life story work may be useful in promoting person-centered care, although further testing is needed with a more generalizable sample.

My life, my story: Teaching patient centered care competencies for older adults through life story work

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Nathan ◽  
Laura L. Fiore ◽  
Stephanie Saunders ◽  
Sandra O. Vilbrun-Bruno PA-C ◽  
Kate LM Hinrichs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Patient Centered Care ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Story Work

scholarly journals Does life story work improve psychosocial well-being for older adults in the community? A quasi-experimental study

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽  
Ayumi Igarashi ◽  
Clare T. K. Yu ◽  
Kenny C. W. Chin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Story Work

Evaluating Nursing Home Resident and Staff Experiences With a Life Story Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110086
Author(s):  
Farida K. Ejaz ◽  
Miriam Rose ◽  
Brian Polk
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Story Work ◽  
Over Time

Life story programs hold promise for improving person-centered care and relationships between nursing home residents and staff. A pilot life story intervention study in 16 nursing homes provided residents with complimentary biographical life story books and summaries, and staff with action plans to enhance care planning. Trained volunteers and program staff collected life stories, and researchers interviewed 170 residents at three points in time. Overall, residents had positive experiences with the program, but were less willing to share their books with others afterwards. They also experienced a decrease in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 [PHQ-8]) over time. Surveys of 92 staff demonstrated increases over time in perceived importance of knowing residents’ life stories. Administrator/admissions staff found it conditionally feasible to incorporate the program into admission processes. Practice implications of life story work include opportunities to help staff learn more about residents they care for, improve person-centered care, and honor resident preferences in care planning.

scholarly journals Understanding the shared experiences of creating a digital life story with individuals with dementia and their spouse

Dementia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 147130122097040
Author(s):  
Laura Sweeney ◽  
Emma Wolverson ◽  
Christopher Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Life Stories ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Shared Experiences ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Story Work ◽  
Design And Methods

Introduction Life story books in dementia are used as a part of person-centred care. Whilst the current literature demonstrates associations between completing life story books and increased well-being, little is known about the process and how it is experienced by individuals living with dementia. Life stories are often created with a loved one, such as a partner or spouse; however, further research is required to explore experiences of life story work as a shared endeavour. Furthermore, the use of technology to create life stories is growing, with little known about how digital elements are experienced. This study aimed to understand these gaps by exploring the shared experiences of individuals with dementia and their partner/spouse creating a digital life story book. Design and Methods Four couples participated in the six-week creation of their digital life story book. Following this, qualitative data relating to couples’ experiences were collected via semi-structured interviews. Findings Thematic analysis was used to interpret data and identified four superordinate themes relating to the shared experiences of creating their digital life story book: ‘Creating a life story book is a huge undertaking’, ‘Looking back and looking forward: The emotional journey’, ‘Whose story is it and who does it belong to?’ and ‘Challenges of using technology to build the life story book’. Conclusions Overall, this study demonstrated that creating a digital life story was a positive experience that can support couples’ well-being, but we should not underestimate the time it will take and range of emotions experienced. The experience of using technology varied, emphasising that we must be mindful of individual preferences before considering a digital approach.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a life story work program on older adults with intellectual disabilities

2014 ◽  
pp. 1865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Bai ◽  
Daniel Ho ◽  
Karen Fung ◽  
Lily Tang ◽  
Moon Yuequn He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Work Program ◽  
Story Work ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
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