Effects and Changing Process of Meaning of Life after the Application Gerotranscendence Reminiscence Therapy among Institutionalized Elders

• Main Authors: Chiu-Yueh Hsiao, 蕭秋月
• Other Authors: I-Chuan Li
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/63180022937037216536

博士 === 國立陽明大學 === 護理學系 === 102 === This study, based on the theory of gerotranscendence by Tornstam (1996), reviewed the related information from the literature review, and interview elders to develop a set of measures of the gerotranscendence reminiscence therapy for older residents. This study used an experimental, two-group repeated measurement design with purposive sampling to select the potential subjects from elder care institutions in Taipei city. The method of random assignment was carried out to divide elders from research settings into experimental and control groups. Forty-one subjects in the experimental group received reminiscence intervention applying gerotranscendence concept once a week for eight weeks and each time lasting 60 minutes. Forty-one subjects in the control group remained regular activities that are provided by their institutions. All subjects completed the following structured questionnaires: demographic sheet and Purpose in Life Test (PIL ) at three different study time points including prior receiving intervention, right after intervention, and six weeks after the intervention. Chi-square, Independent t, Paired t, analysis of covariance, and GEE(Generalized Estimating Equation) were used to analyze quantitative data of this study. The results of this study revaled that subjects who received gerotranscendence reminiscence therapy were significantly improved their meaning of life. In addition, subjects who were in the intervention group revealed more positive reviewing their past as well as less pessimistic expectation for their future life. Results of qualitative data showed that after receiving gerotranscendence reminiscence therapy, subjects experienced more opportunity to integrate their past life and subsequently to value themselves.The effects of this study quanlitatively had the following domains : the creation of an unique life, harmonious affection is the core value of human life, faithful belief can be as the source of strong support, the appreciation of nature beauty is joyful, and the eternal life is the goal to pursue. Both quantitative and qualitative results of this study supported that gerotranscendence reminiscence therapy could significantly increase the meaning of life for institutionalized elders. Therefore, it is important to apply the gerotranscendence reminiscence therapy into facilities’ regular service in order to increase the meaning of life for older people in long-term care facilties.