Impact of Life Story Books on Psychosocial Well-Being in Older Adults
Overview of Life Story Work
A recent study conducted in Hong Kong aimed to explore whether life story books or life story work enhance the psychosocial well-being of older adults. Life story narratives are increasingly utilized in research with this demographic, as they highlight the interests, personal wishes, and attitudes of older individuals, reflecting a lifetime of experiences. This approach not only examines the thought processes of older adults but also their psychological health. Specifically, life story work serves as a social work intervention that assists participants in recognizing their past, present, and future.
Study Focus and Methodology
The study, published in BMC Geriatrics, utilized narrative stories to assess their impact on three psychological aspects of older adults: satisfaction, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Additionally, the researchers investigated differences between participants with and without depression. By employing biographical, narrative, and reminiscence approaches, the study aimed to capture the unique elements of individual stories, rich in perspective.
The research involved 57 participants recruited from senior community centers, excluding those with psychiatric illnesses. All participants were over 60 years old. A trained student assisted in compiling the life story books, incorporating photographs and images connected to the individuals’ hometowns to enhance their appeal. Researchers conducted 60-minute meetings at community centers or the homes of the seniors, with the number of pages in each life story book varying based on individual participation.
Participant Demographics and Findings
The study revealed that 39 participants did not exhibit depressive symptoms, while 18 did. The average age of participants was 74, with a majority being female. Among them, 32 were single, and most had either primary education or no formal education. Additionally, 60% identified with an oriental ancestral religion and reported having no formal occupation or prior work experience.
At the beginning of the study, participants displayed differences in three areas: sleeping difficulties, satisfaction with overall support, and physical functioning levels. The researchers further examined whether completing a life story book independently or with assistance led to any statistically significant differences. Participants who created their life story books independently scored better on a general health questionnaire compared to those who received help.
Conclusions and Implications
The study concluded that there was no significant impact on self-esteem or improvements in life satisfaction among the sample, aligning with previous research findings. Moreover, there was no notable improvement in life satisfaction attributable to the life story books, leading to inconclusive results. While life story books may not significantly affect self-esteem or life satisfaction, the clinical implications of these findings on broader concepts may be difficult to detect.
However, the study did indicate a positive effect on individuals with depression and an overall improvement in the mental well-being of the community, particularly among older adults living independently.
Written by Sonia Leslie Fernandez, Medical News Writer
Reference: Lai, C. K., Igarashi, A., Clare, T. K., & Chin, K. C. (2018). Does life story work improve psychosocial well-being for older adults in the community? A quasi-experimental study. BMC geriatrics, 18(1), 119.