levensrecensie

Lev ensrecensie, or levensrecensie, refers to a structured reminiscence practice in which a person reflects on life experiences to construct a coherent personal narrative. It is used in aging care, psychology, social work, and palliative care, and can be conducted individually or in groups. The process may be oral, written, or multimedia, and is often guided by prompts that explore childhood, work, relationships, and turning points.

The concept originates from life review theory introduced by Robert N. Butler in 1963, which describes how reflecting on one's life can promote meaning, integrity, and psychological well-being in late adulthood. The Dutch term mirrors the English expression and is widely used in research and practice within elder care and therapy.

In practice, levensrecensie employs semi-structured interviews, reminiscence therapy, autobiographical writing, or narrative activities. Goals include helping individuals make sense of their experiences, preserve a sense of identity, cope with aging or illness, and sometimes facilitate intergenerational sharing of memories.

Potential benefits include increased sense of meaning, enhanced mood, better coping with loss, and improved social connectedness. However, it can also evoke distress when recalling trauma or grief; thus it should be facilitated by trained professionals who consider cultural background, consent, and ethical issues. Not all participants benefit equally, and memory distortions or selective recall can occur.

See also: life review, reminiscence therapy.