Bereavement Life Review Management on Depression in Patients with Stroke in Medan

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Bereavement Life Review (BLR) on depression levels among stroke patients. METHODOLOGY: This study was conducted between June and December 2021, utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-post-test control group structure. The study sample comprised 70 stroke patients experiencing extremity weakness. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Depression levels were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The intervention group received BLR therapy in two sessions, while data analysis was conducted using a dependent t-test to assess changes in depression within and between groups. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using the independent t-test revealed a significant reduction in depression among stroke patients who received the BLR intervention, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). The BLR facilitated recontextualization, self-forgiveness, and reflection, contributing to more robust coping mechanisms and helping patients find meaning despite their circumstances. CONCLUSION: BLR management provides a profound emotional intervention for stroke patients, aiding them in coping with extremity weakness and associated depressive symptoms.