Biography as therapy

Abstract

The feeling that life has had no meaning is an impediment to a peaceful death. Life review enables a person to identify events that have been of worth and so enhances self-esteem. This approach has been extended and formalized by establishing a biographer service to compile oral and written biographies of patients who may be expected to benefit from such a re-examination of their lives. The service is now also being offered to patients whose disability precludes most other forms of activity. The value of biography as therapy is considered and it is concluded that it has much to offer in the circumstances described.

Partner Abandonment of Women with Breast Cancer: Myth or Reality?

“…A diagnosis of breast cancer often brings with it a time of life review and the resetting of priorities. 37–39 As one 39‐year‐old woman with breast cancer who had been married for 15 years and had two children aged 11 and 13, said to the first author in a counseling session: “Suddenly the deck of cards was instantly reshuffled, and my husband and children came out on top.” In other situations, however, in reviewing her life and resetting priorities, a woman may admit to herself that she has felt dissatisfied in her prime relationship. She may at this time find the social support and inner strength to leave an unsatisfying or unfulfilling relationship, as is demonstrated in the case of one 63‐year‐old woman.…”

The lived experience of volunteering in a palliative care biography service

“…The aims of these services are to assist patients in recognizing what they had accomplished in their lives, and to emphasize the meaningfulness of their lives for themselves, family, and friends (Lichter et al, 1993;McNeilly et al, 2008;Turnbull & Cooper, 1981). The aims of these services are to assist patients in recognizing what they had accomplished in their lives, and to emphasize the meaningfulness of their lives for themselves, family, and friends (Lichter et al, 1993;McNeilly et al, 2008;Turnbull & Cooper, 1981).…”

“…Research has been undertaken with patients where it was found that participation in such services was associated with a deeper meaning, sense of self, and enjoyment at the end of their lives (Damianakis et al, 2010;Lichter et al, 1993). Research has been undertaken with patients where it was found that participation in such services was associated with a deeper meaning, sense of self, and enjoyment at the end of their lives (Damianakis et al, 2010;Lichter et al, 1993).…”

Ethical Wills and Suffering in Patients with Cancer: A Pilot Study

“…." 17 In this pilot study, we compared the impact of EWs and a placebo intervention in relieving the suffering of patients with potentially life-limiting illness. The specific aim was to refine the methodologies to be used in studying EWs, in preparation for future studies that will examine the efficacy of EWs.…”