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Meaning-centered dream work with hospice patients: A pilot study
Scott T Wright1, Pei C Grant2, Rachel M Depner1
1University at Buffalo, State University of New York,Buffalo,New York.
Palliative & Supportive Care
|October 16, 2014
Summary
Meaning-centered dream work with hospice patients was found to be feasible and helpful, leading to improved existential well-being and quality of life. Patients used dream interpretations to address life concerns and develop action plans.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Palliative Care
- Psychotherapy
Background:
- Hospice patients frequently experience a loss of meaning.
- Meaningful dreams are a common phenomenon in this population.
- Existing dream work models can be adapted for therapeutic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the process of meaning-centered dream work with hospice patients.
- To assess the therapeutic outcomes of this intervention.
- To evaluate its impact on existential well-being and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A meaning-centered adaptation of the cognitive-experiential dream work model was employed.
- Twelve dream-work sessions were conducted with seven hospice patients.
- Consensual qualitative research (CQR) analysis of transcripts and standardized measures were used.
Main Results:
- Dream content often involved familiar people and waking life concerns.
- Interpretations focused on cognitive shifts, legacy, and unfinished business.
- Patients developed and implemented action plans, reporting sessions as meaningful and helpful with significant gains in well-being.
Conclusions:
- Meaning-centered dream work is a feasible and beneficial intervention for hospice patients.
- The approach supports existential well-being and quality of life in the dying.
- Further research is warranted to explore its broader implications in end-of-life care.
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