An Empirical Evaluation of a Non-Directive Storytelling Program for Spiritual Well-Being and Quality of Life in Dementia.

OBJECTIVES

People living with dementia (PLWD) often experience disruptions to meaning, identity, and spiritual well-being that are insufficiently addressed by existing psychosocial interventions. This study reports findings from a pilot evaluation examining the feasibility, acceptability, and descriptive quality-of-life outcomes of a non-directive nondenominational storytelling program designed to support personal identity, social connection, and spiritual well-being.

METHODS

A convergent mixed-methods pilot evaluation was conducted with six participants over 20 weeks. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed across three time points using the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale (QOL-AD). Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, with findings integrated across methods.

RESULTS

QOL-AD scores increased modestly from baseline to mid-program and returned to near-baseline levels at program completion, reflecting overall stability in group-level QoL alongside increasing individual variability across time. Qualitative analysis yielded two overarching themes, Finding Meaning Through Storytelling and Belonging as Healing, describing how narrative engagement and relational safety supported meaning making, identity continuity, and spiritually resonant well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide early evidence that non-directive, narrative-based group programs are feasible, acceptable, and clinically relevant forms of spiritually integrative psychosocial support.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This storytelling-based group program offers a scalable approach clinicians can implement to support QoL and spiritual well-being in PLWD without requiring religious content or specialized spiritual training.