The Effect of Music-Based Life Review on the Life Satisfaction and Ego Integrity of Elderly People

Abstract

Although music-based life review has frequently been used to facilitate personal adjustment in elderly people, minimal empirical evidence exists as to its effectiveness. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of music-based life review. It was hypothesized that a programme of music-based life review would more effectively promote life satisfaction and ego integrity than a programme of verbal life review. Twenty-six elderly female patients residing in nursing homes or hostel accommodation were selected, matched and randomly assigned to either a treatment group (music-based life review) or a control group (verbal life review). Following a 6-week intervention period, all subjects completed the Ego Integrity Subscale (EIS) and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) and indicated on a linear scale the degree to which they enjoyed the treatment or found it helpful. Results provided support for the use of music-based life review by health care professionals aiming to improve the elderly person's personal adjustment.