Dignity Therapy: a new psychoterapeutic approach for people facing advanced disease

Dignity Therapy for End-of-Life Care Patients: A Literature Review

“…In the quantitative studies, many used the pretest and post-test intervention design (1,5,9,10 –12); while the qualitative literature used a case study (13) and grounded theory (14) design.…”

“…Specifically, the development or creation of a legacy project, also called “generativity” documents (22), promotes independent reflection, autonomy, and opportunities for family interaction, which can lead to better relationships (11,13,20) and helping to address unfinished business (9,10). The generativity document provides a safe therapeutic environment that can deliver a detailed message to family members and caregivers to facilitate early palliative care, thus allowing the patient to reappraise aspects of their lives positively and enjoy the opportunities to reminisce (19).…”

“…Four of the studies used the protocol of Chochinov (13,15 –17). As cited by Andreis et al (13), the Chochinov protocol was used primarily with people who were terminally ill.…”

“…Four of the studies used the protocol of Chochinov (13,15 –17). As cited by Andreis et al (13), the Chochinov protocol was used primarily with people who were terminally ill. It consists of a short-term psychotherapy intervention that includes 3 major aspects: the physical aspects related to the disease and symptoms, existential/spiritual aspects based on the patient’s life history, and the social relationships aspect linked to the quality of the relationship between the patient, practitioners, and family members.…”

“…For patients, dignity therapy promotes self-expression, connection with loved once, sense of dignity, purpose, and continuity/improved sense of self; strengthens identity (1,10,11,13,20); and increases hopefulness and dignity (1,11,15,21) and spirituality (20). Most importantly, dignity therapy decreases distress symptoms such as depression, desire for death, or suicidal thoughts (4,22).…”