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Constructing couples’ stories: narrative practice insights from a dyadic dementia intervention
- Authors:
- SCHERRER Kristin S., INGERSOLL-DAYTON Berit, SPENCER Beth
- Journal article citation:
- Clinical Social Work Journal, 42(1), 2014, pp.90-100.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
Memory loss and dementia can be devastating for both caregivers and care recipients. Narrative therapeutic approaches offer promise, as well as challenges, for social interventions with couples where one partner has dementia. The Couples Life Story Approach is a recently-developed method by which practitioners work with such couples to help them narrate the story of their life together. This narrative approach is augmented by mementoes (e.g., photos, cards) that are collected by the couple during the intervention. Significant memories are elicited from both partners and developed into a Life Story Book. Drawing on data from this clinical research intervention with 20 older couples, we ask: What are some of the challenges of conducting narrative-based therapeutic interventions with older couples with memory loss? Clinical themes were identified utilising a multiple case study approach during weekly team meetings. Six of the most prominent themes are presented here. Specifically, how to: (1) construct a narrative from disparate stories, (2) tell a mutual story, (3) tell the story of a couple that has been in a shorter relationship, (4) incorporate others in the story, (5) include difficult life moments, and, (6) end the story. Within each theme, the authors utilise case examples to illuminate relevant issues and describe strategies that were developed to resolve these clinical challenges. Implications for practitioners and clinical researchers who are engaged in dyadic interventions are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
A systematic review of dyadic approaches to reminiscence and life review among older adults
- Authors:
- INGERSOLL-DAYTON Berit, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 23(9), 2019, pp.1074-1085.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objective: This paper describes a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies that examine the effectiveness of dyadic approaches to life review and reminiscence. Methods: The search process began with 1,056 potentially eligible articles and, after a multi-step screening process, led to 20 full-text articles for review. Results: The resulting studies (ten quantitative, nine qualitative, and one mixed-method) comprised six different kinds of dyadic approaches. There are a combination of benefits and problems associated with dyadic life review and reminiscence approaches. Conclusions: This review provides initial understanding of the impact of life review and reminiscence when care recipients and caregivers participate in the intervention together. Future clinical studies on dyadic approaches to life review and reminiscence should provide clearer descriptions of their protocols, include more consistent measures (incorporating in-the-moment measures), and involve populations of healthy older adults and their partners as well as those with cognitive impairment. The inclusion of qualitative studies helps interpret the diverse results reported in the quantitative studies and highlights key themes related to participating in dyadic interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)
Creating a duet: the Couples Life Story Approach in the United States and Japan
- Authors:
- INGERSOLL-DAYTON Berit, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 15(4), 2016, p.481–493.
- Publisher:
- Sage
There is a global need for interventions that help couples who are dealing with dementia. This paper describes the way in which interventionists from the United States and Japan participated in the development of an intervention for dyads in which one person is experiencing memory loss. The 5-week intervention, the Couples Life Story Approach, helps dyads to reminisce about their life together as a couple, to work on their patterns of communication, and to develop a Life Story Book. Based on an analysis of cases conducted in the United States (n = 20 couples) and Japan (n = 9 couples), this paper highlights the cross-fertilization process that has occurred as interventionists from the two countries have shared their experiences with one another. Using case illustrations, the discussion focuses on the clinical themes that have emerged for couples in the United States and Japan. (Publisher abstract)