The Role of Autobiographical Story-Telling During Rehabilitation Among Hip-Fracture Geriatric Patients

Authors

  • Paola Iannello
    Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
  • Federica Biassoni
    Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
  • Laura Bertola
    Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
  • Alessandro Antonietti
    Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
  • Valerio Antonello Caserta
    Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Orthopedic Institute “Gaetano Pini”, Milan, Italy
  • Lorenzo Panella
    Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Orthopedic Institute “Gaetano Pini”, Milan, Italy

Abstract

Hip fracture is one of the most common health care problems among elderly people. Literature shows that high self-efficacy expectations and positive affect are some of the key issues in functional recovery after hip fracture. The present investigation tested whether self-narration of such life-breaking event influences self-efficacy and depression during the process of rehabilitation. We designed a Self-Narration Journey (SNJ) to be administered during the in-hospital rehabilitation. In Study 1, we investigated the influence of SNJ on depression and perceived self-efficacy. Study 2 aimed to explore the effect of SNJ, depression, and self-efficacy on functional recovery of independence to perform daily activities during the rehabilitation process. The data showed that the Self-Narration Journey proved effective in increasing the perceived self-efficacy and in lowering the level of depression. The present work highlights a significant effect of the SNJ on the functional recovery process.