Meaning-making in memories: a comparison of memories of death-related and low point life experiences

Death Stud. 2010 Sep;34(8):715-37. doi: 10.1080/07481181003761708.

Abstract

Because of their extensive experience with death and dying, hospice volunteers may be more successful at engaging in meaning-making regarding their death-related experiences than their low point life experiences (e.g., job loss). Consequently, their memories of death-related experiences will manifest more meaning-making strategies (e.g., bendfit-finding) than their low point memories. Fifty-two hospice volunteers wrote memory narratives of death-related and low point experiences and provided ratings of their memories. Results show that death memory narratives exhibit more meaning-making strategies, are rated as more emotionally positive, and are more frequently rehearsed. The long-term significance of the use of meaning-making strategies is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological / physiology*
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Death*
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Hospice Care / psychology
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Narration
  • Volunteers / psychology