Much of the cancer rehabilitation research that has been conducted has consisted of relatively early recovery-of-function rehabilitation, and little attention has been paid to the psychosocial aspects of palliative rehabilitation. The aim of the present preliminary study was to examine the “narratives” of elderly cancer patients that emerged as a result of a life review performed in association with collage activity and to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.

We conducted a collage activity based on a life review in two sessions. Some 11 cancer patients who were 65 years of age or older and receiving palliative care participated. Evaluations using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual (FACIT–Sp) Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Self-Efficacy Scale for Terminal Cancer (SESTC) were administered before and immediately after the intervention.

The mean scores for the FACIT–Sp and affect regulation efficacy on the SESTC significantly increased, while the mean HADS score significantly decreased. Regarding the impressions after completion of the intervention, generally favorable evaluations were heard from families and medical staff members as well as from the subjects.

A collage activity based on a life review may be effective for improving spiritual well-being, mitigating anxiety and depression, and improving self-efficacy. The collage itself was also useful in facilitating interactions with others, including family members, and the activity provided psychological support for families.