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Life review for Chinese older adults in nursing homes: cultural acceptance and its effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2018

Xiuyan Lan
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China Fujian Medical University Affiliated Clinical Medical Institute, Fuzhou, China
Huimin Xiao*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Ying Chen
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Huimin Xiao, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China. Phone: (86) 591 2286 2015. Fax: (86) 591 2286 2526. Email: [email protected].

Abstract

Objectives:

To explore the acceptance and effects of life review on older adults.

Design:

A mixed-method study design was utilized in this study.

Setting:

Four nursing homes located in Fuzhou, China.

Participants:

Sixty-two older adults from four nursing homes were selected according to the criteria set for this study.

Method:

Sixty-two older adults were randomly assigned to either the life review group or the control group, and 55 of them completed the study. Twenty-four participants took part in qualitative interviews after the life review program concluded. The Geriatric Depression Scale–15, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Purpose in Life Test were adopted to measure depression, self-esteem, and meaning in life, respectively.

Results:

The findings indicated that life review can reduce depressive symptoms and may be effective at improving self-esteem and meaning in life among Chinese elderly people. More importantly, it revealed that cultural factors such as values, beliefs, and attitudes could interfere with participation in a life review.

Conclusions:

A culturally sensitive life review program could be an alternative approach to psychotherapy for promoting mental health in older adults.

Type
Original Research Article
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2018 

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