Collective Narrative Practice: Intervention in a Group of Older Adults in Valparaíso, Chile. Group Intervention Study

Abstract

The present work is a case study focused on a group of older adults who participate in a community centre in the city of Valparaíso, Chile. The objective of this study is to describe and evaluate an intervention process of a collective narrative practices workshop with a group of older adults in Valparaíso. The methodology corresponded to a group clinical intervention of Collective Narrative Practices and Tree of Life technique by Denborough and Ncube, being adapted to the needs of the group. Qualitative data were produced using audio-visual resources and field notes. In addition, a Yesavage GDS Geriatric Depression scale was applied in pre and post test. In the qualitative analysis, a change in the identity perception of the participants is reported. Regarding the scale, the effect size between the two measurements is relevant since it is characterized as a “medium” level effect. In conclusion, this perspective allows them to signify and resignify the experience of older adulthood from the strengths that they can recognize in themselves and their community. Being the collective narrative practices an approach that rescues their narratives in pursuit of critically knowing the experience of older adulthood.