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Identity and the End-of-Life Story: A Role for Psychologists
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Identity and the End-of-Life Story: A Role for Psychologists

R Leonard, D Horsfall, K Noonan and John P Rosenberg
Australian Psychologist, Vol.52(5), pp.346-353
2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12270
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12270View
Published Version

Abstract

caring end-of-life identity life story life transitions psychologists' role
Objective: Narrative approaches to identity, which conceptualise a person's identity as their life story, present a useful way for approaching support at end-of-life because they do not pathologise dying but rather recognise it is the final chapter of a life story. The construction of life stories is always a social process and could be supported by psychologists. Attention to issues of identity and relationships is beneficial for dying people and their carers and counteracts the medicalisation of dying. The Caring at End-of-Life Research Program identified the support necessary from family, friends, community, and professionals for people to die at home, which is the preference of over 80% of Australians. Identifying the current and potential role of psychologists is the present focus. Method: Qualitative analysis of eight service provider focus groups (88 people), 13 focus groups with carers and their support networks (n = 84), and individual interviews with carers (n = 23), and community (n = 17) was conducted in urban and rural New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Results: End-of-life transition was achieved without loss of identity when relationships with people, places, and objects which sustained identity were maintained. Carers required knowledge, skills, and adjustments about which psychologists have expertise such as emotional work, supporting networks, resisting pressure from medical staff, and adjustment at death. However, no psychologists attended the service provider focus groups and carers identified only three psychologists among 58 service providers. Conclusion: Psychologists could play a valuable role by recognising end-of-life as a major transition and assisting with identity maintenance through that time.

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Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas
Psychology, Multidisciplinary

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