Abstract:
This study investigated loss, death and dying,
reminiscing, coping and the process of adaptation from the
sUbjective perspective. A number of theories and models of
death and dying were reviewed in the background literature
search with the focus on reminiscing as a coping phenomenon.
The format of the study was audio-taped interviews with
ten sUbjects and the recording of their memories and
reminiscing of life stories. The sUbjects were required to
complete an initial questionnaire in a demographic data
collection process. Two separate interviews consisted of a
primary data collecting interview and a verification
interview four to eight weeks later. An independent chart
review completed the data collecting process.
Data analysis was by the examination of the emerging
themes in the subjects' personal narratives which revealed
the sUb-categories of reminiscing, loss (including death and
dying), acceptance, hope, love, despair and belief. Belief
was shown to be the foundation and the base for living and
reminiscing. Reminiscing was found to be a coping
phenomenon, within the foundation of a belief system. Both
living and reminiscing revealed the existence of a central
belief or value with a great deal of importance attached to it. Whether the belief was of a spiritual nature, a value
of marriage, tradition, a work ethic or
belief in an abstract value such as fate,it gave support
and control to the individuals' living and reminiscing
process. That which caused despair or allowed acceptance
indicated the sUbjects' basic belief and was identified in
the story narrations.
The findings were significant to health care in terms
of education, increased dignity for the elderly and better
understanding by society. The profiles represented an
average age of 86.3 years with age showing no bearing on the
life experiences associated with the emerging themes.
Overwhelmingly, belief was shown to be the foundation in
reminiscing. A Judeo-Christian cultural value base
supported the belief in 90% of the sUbjects; however,
different beliefs were clearly shown indicating that belief
is central to all thinking beings, in everyday life and in
reminiscing. Belief was not necessarily spiritual or a
practised or verbalized religion. It was shown to be a way
of understanding, a fundamental and single thread tying the
individual's life and stories together.
The benefits were the outcomes, in that knowledge of an
individual's belief can optimize care planning for any age
group, and/or setting. The strength of the study was the
open question format and the feedback process of data
verification. The unrestricted outcomes and non-specificity were significant in a world where dying is everybody's
business.
