Guiding Autobiography Groups for Older Adults

Exploring the Fabric of Life

James E. Birren, Donna E. Deutchman

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Year: 1991
• eBook ISBN: 9781421400501
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Creative Writing

"Guided autobiography," write the authors, "is ideally suited to foster in the older adult a belief that his or her life is meaningful and something of which to be proud." This book helps professionals—at senior centers, community centers, and other service facilities—guide older adults and others in preparing their autobiographies.

Many older adults, the authors explain, have limited social networks. Widowhood, retirement, and other "involuntary transitions" create a loss of roles, which can damage the older adult's sense of identity and self-worth. Guided autobiography can be used very effectively with such persons—to promote their general well- being, develop friendships, and create increased feelings of self-sufficiency.

The book's chapters treat such topics as eliciting themes from people's lives, promoting creative thinking, facilitating group interaction, and mastering obstacles in the group process. Based on the authors' fourteen years of experience leading groups in guided autobiography, this book will be of special interest to gerontologists, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals who conduct activity programs for older people.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Foreword
• Preface
• 1. Strengthening the Fabric of Life
• 2. Leading a Guided Autobiography Group
• 3. The Healing Power of the Group
• 4. The Importance of Guiding Themes
• 5. Successful Themes and Sensitizing Questions
• 6. Encouraging Creativity and Divergent Thinking
• 7. Mastering Potential Obstacles in the Group Process
• 8. The Next Steps after Guided Autobiography
• 9. A Professional’s Guide to the Literature, and Implications for Future Research
• References
• Index