Narrative Group Intervention to Rediscover Life Wisdom among Hong Kong Chinese Older Adults: A Single-Blind Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: We developed a new group practice using strength- and meaning-based Narrative Therapy (NT) for older Chinese living in Hong Kong (HK), to enhance their life wisdom. This paper reports on the intervention and its short- and longer-term effectiveness.
Research Design and Methods: A randomized waitlist-controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. A total of 157 older adults were randomly recruited, of whom 75 were randomly assigned to the intervention group which received four 2-hr biweekly NT sessions using the "Tree of Life" metaphor. The others were placed on a waitlist. Perceived wisdom was assessed using the Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (BSAWS). Assessment occurred at baseline (T₀), end of treatment (T₁), and four (T₂) and eight months later (T₃). Overtime effects of NT on wisdom scores were assessed using latent growth curve models with time-invariant covariates for impact.
Results: The intervention (NT) group showed significant, sustainable overtime within-group improvement in perceived wisdom. Moreover, compared with the control group, the NT group showed significant immediate improvements in perceived wisdom [F(2.726, p = 0.041)], which were maintained at all follow-up points. This effect remained after controlling for age, gender and educational level [T_ML(11) = 17.306, p = 0.098, root mean square error of approximation = 0.079, comparative fit index = 0.960]. No adverse reaction was recorded.
Discussion and Implications: NT underpinned by a ToL methodology offers a new theory to understand, promote and appreciate perceived wisdom in older Chinese living in HK. It contributes to psychotherapy and professional social work practice for older Chinese.