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Butler's life review: how universal is it?

S B Merriam1

  • 1Department of Adult Education, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.

International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The life review theory, common in gerontology, suggests older adults reflect on life near death. However, research, including a centenarian study, challenges some core assumptions of this widely accepted concept.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychology of Aging

Background:

  • The concept of life review, proposed by Butler, is a widely accepted theory in gerontology.
  • This theory posits that older individuals review their lives as they approach death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the assumptions underlying the life review theory.
  • To synthesize findings from previous research testing these assumptions.
  • To present new data from centenarian studies that may challenge the theory.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on life review.
  • Analysis of findings from previous empirical tests of life review assumptions.
  • Presentation of results from a new study involving centenarians.

Main Results:

  • Commonly held assumptions about life review are critically examined.
  • Previous research findings are synthesized to evaluate the theory's empirical support.
  • New data from centenarians suggest certain aspects of the life review theory require re-evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • The universality and specific tenets of the life review theory are questioned.
  • Further research is needed to refine or revise the understanding of end-of-life reflection in advanced age.
  • Empirical evidence, particularly from extreme longevity, indicates a need to reconsider established gerontological theories.

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