'This is my story, how I remember it': In-depth analysis of dignity therapy documents from a study of dignity therapy for people with early stage dementia

Johnston, B. , Lawton, S. and Pringle, J. (2015) 'This is my story, how I remember it': In-depth analysis of dignity therapy documents from a study of dignity therapy for people with early stage dementia. Dementia, 16(5), pp. 543-555. (doi: 10.1177/1471301215605629) (PMID:26378124)

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive condition that impacts on individuals, families and care professionals. Maintaining quality of life through engagement with the person with dementia is an important part of their care. Dignity Therapy is an interactive, psychotherapeutic intervention that uses a trained dignity therapist to guide the person with dementia through an interview that then creates a written legacy called a generativity document. This can provide knowledge to inform care, as the condition progresses. Generativity documents were analysed using framework analysis. Main themes from the analysis were origin of values, essence and affirmation of self, forgiveness and resolution and existentialism/meaning of life. These themes provide evidence of the type, scope and contribution that information generated from Dignity Therapy can make to the care and support of people with dementia. They provide information about the values, self-identity and the people and events that have been important to them and influenced their lives.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: QNIS Scotland 2013-2104, Alzheimer Scotland 2013-2104 and NHS Tayside.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Johnston, Professor Bridget
• Authors: Johnston, B., Lawton, S., and Pringle, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Dementia
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1471-3012
• ISSN (Online): 1741-2684
• Published Online: 15 September 2015