Factors in the Short-term Life Review That Affect Spiritual Well-being in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients

The interrelations between spiritual well-being, pain interference and depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…Interventions such as spiritual or mindfulness meditation may facilitate reflection on meaning and purpose in life, and are related to increased pain tolerance, positive mood and better health-related quality of life (Delaney et al, 2011; Wachholtz & Pargament, 2005). Furthermore, a brief spiritual well-being intervention—the Short-Term Life Review, which permits patients to create a narrative about proud and important roles, events, and memories in life, is noted to increase spiritual well-being and decrease depressive symptoms (Ando et al, 2010), and could be readily implemented in treatment settings. Research on the effects of meaning-oriented interventions that is designed to uncover mechanisms of action would be useful.…”

The effects of life review interventions on spiritual well-being, psychological distress, and quality of life in patients with terminal or advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…3 If left unattended, it may result in anxiety, depression, desire for a hastened death, and suicidal ideation. 1,4 Existential or spiritual distress not only adds to patient and family suffering but also presents a huge challenge for care professionals in the provision of end-of-life care. 2,5,6 According to World Health Organization, relief of existential suffering in terminally ill patients is a major component of palliative care-an approach aiming to improve the QOL of patients and their families facing the problems associated with a life-threatening illness through prevention and relief of suffering as well as treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems.…”

Effect of Life Review Writing on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Suggestions for future research include recruitment of participants with a minimum level of depressive symptoms (e.g., ³10 on the GDS), which would enable a clearer picture of the clinical significance of the results. According to some studies, personal meaning and spiritual wellbeing may help to explain how the intervention works or benefits participants (Ando et al, 2010;Westerhof, Bohlmeijer, Beljouw, & Pot, 2010). Therefore, inclusion of this variable in future studies is warranted.…”

“…To date, the literature has focused on life review through oral dialogue, which has mounting empirical support for its effectiveness in decreasing depressive symptoms (Ando, Morita, & Akechi, 2010;Bohlmeijer et al, 2007;Davis, 2004;Mastel-Smith et al, 2006). Few studies, however, have examined the effectiveness of protocols of life review that include the added therapeutic benefits of writing (Mastel-Smith et al, 2007;Richeson & Thorson, 2002;Sherman, 1995).…”