Life review as a therapeutic frame in the treatment of young adults with AIDS.

In this article, the author describes developmental and clinical issues in the use of life review as a therapeutic frame in psychotherapy of young adults with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Presentation of clinical data suggests that elaboration of life narratives, by means of reminiscence, may help people to regain a cohesive sense of self, carry out psychological and social tasks, and revise life structures in the context of the illness experience. The author demonstrates how narrative approaches, informed by developmental theory, shift the focus from disability and dysfunction to concern for relative health and personal growth in social intervention with this population. Emergent research issues also are identified.