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Key points
- A life review exercise involves revisiting and evaluating one's life experiences.
- This exercise can significantly enhance psychological well-being and reduce psychological distress.
- Life review exercises can have a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.
As individuals approach the end of their lives, reflection and introspection often become integral parts of the process. A life review exercise, which involves revisiting and evaluating one's life experiences, can be a profoundly meaningful and therapeutic endeavor. Why wait until the end is near, though? Rather than conducting a life review exercise before death—which is typically when this exercise is administered—let’s reap the benefits of this reflection while we’re fortunate to still be alive.
Enhanced Psychological Well-Being
Numerous studies suggest that engaging in a life review exercise can significantly enhance psychological well-being. Butler and Ciarrocchi (2016) conducted a longitudinal study and found that individuals who engaged in a structured life review process reported increased life satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose in their later years. This exercise allows individuals to make sense of their life's journey, acknowledge their accomplishments, and find closure with unresolved issues. It can reduce feelings of regret and foster a sense of acceptance and contentment.
Interestingly, the act of reminiscing about positive life events can trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of happiness and satisfaction (Wong et al., 2018). Engaging in a life review exercise can promote a more positive outlook on life while we still have a life to enjoy.
Strengthened Interpersonal Relationships
Research by Fiese and Spagnola (2005) indicates that life review exercises can have a profound impact on interpersonal relationships. By revisiting past relationships and events, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their connections with others. This understanding often leads to increased empathy, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
When individuals take the time to express gratitude, apologize for past wrongs, or share their feelings with loved ones during a life review, it can foster emotional closeness and healing (Butler & Ciarrocchi, 2016). These exercises provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations with family and friends, strengthening the bonds between individuals and their loved ones.
Reduction in Psychological Distress
Facing one's mortality—whether it is imminent or years away—can be an emotionally challenging experience, often leading to heightened anxiety and depression. However, research has shown that engaging in a life review exercise can help reduce psychological distress.
A study by Westerhof et al. (2010) found that individuals who participated in a life review program reported decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. By reviewing and processing their life experiences, individuals can gain a sense of control and mastery over their own narrative, reducing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
The act of storytelling and sharing one's life story with a trusted listener can provide a sense of relief and emotional release, reducing the emotional burden associated with unresolved issues (Wong et al., 2018).
Enhanced Self-Identity and Legacy-Building
A life review exercise allows individuals to reflect on their life's purpose and the legacy they wish to leave behind. Research conducted by McAdams and McLean (2013) indicates that constructing a coherent narrative of one's life can strengthen self-identity and contribute to a sense of integrity. When individuals can articulate their life story and values, it can provide a profound sense of closure and fulfillment.
A life review often leads to the desire to share one's wisdom, values, and life lessons with future generations. By documenting their experiences and insights, individuals can leave a lasting legacy for their children and grandchildren (Butler & Ciarrocchi, 2016). This legacy-building process can be deeply meaningful and fulfilling, allowing individuals to feel that their life has made some kind of lasting impact on the world.
Improved Coping With Life Challenges
The end of life can bring physical, emotional, and existential challenges that individuals may struggle to cope with, as can day-to-day life with its share of struggle, pain, and grief. Engaging in a life review exercise can provide individuals with a valuable coping mechanism.
Studies by Reker and Wong (2012) emphasize that life review helps individuals find meaning in their life, even in the face of suffering and loss. By focusing on positive aspects of their life story and identifying the strengths they have developed over the years, individuals can better navigate the challenges associated with adversity. This sense of meaning can serve as a source of resilience and emotional strength during difficult times.
What’s Next?
While a life review exercise before death has been shown to offer numerous psychological, emotional, and interpersonal benefits, it can be administered as a positive intervention at any time of life to enhance psychological well-being, strengthen interpersonal relationships, reduce psychological distress, promote self-identity and legacy-building, and improve coping with end-of-life challenges. A life review can be a transformative and healing experience, allowing people to find closure, make peace with their past, and leave behind a meaningful legacy for future generations. It is a valuable tool in the journey toward a more peaceful and fulfilling end of life.
References
Butler, R. N., & Ciarrocchi, J. W. (2016). The legacy project: An intergenerational program for the end of life. Springer Publishing Company.
Fiese, B. H., & Spagnola, M. (2005). The interior life of the dying: The development of a life review program for palliative care patients. Omega-Journal of Death and Dying, 50(3), 187-206.
McAdams, D. P., & McLean, K. C. (2013). Narrative identity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(3), 233-238.
Reker, G. T., & Wong, P. T. (2012). Aging as an individual process: Toward a theory of personal meaning. In Aging and Personal Meaning (pp. 111-130). Routledge.
Westerhof, G. J., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & Webster, J. D. (2010). Reminiscence and mental health: A review of recent progress in theory, research, and intervention. Ageing and Society, 30(4), 697-721.
Wong, P. T., Reker, G. T., & Gesser, G. (2018). Death attitude profile—revised: A multidimensional measure of attitudes toward death. In Death Attitudes and the Older Adult (pp. 121-144). Routledge.
