This study aimed to develop a recall-based group counseling program model to improve self-integration among elders;
literature about the existing recall programs was reviewed to reconstruct a program model to meet their developmental
properties and requirements and implement the program; then, an attempt was made to analyze the effects of the
recall-based group counseling program on some sub-factors of self-integration, such as satisfaction with and acceptance
of the past and present life, attitude toward life, acceptance of aging, and acceptance of death, in order to use the program
to improve self-integration among elders in centers concerned. The research was conducted with 20 elders in small
nursing homes for the aged in Sasang-gu, Busan. 10 persons in one center were assigned to the experimental group,
and 10 in the other centers to the control group; the experimental group was provided with the program in 10 sessions,
two hours per session, for 10 weeks. This study obtained the following results: First, the recall-based group counseling
program affected satisfaction with and acceptance of the past and present life, attitude toward life, acceptance of aging,
and acceptance of death among elders. Second, the recall-based group counseling program improved self-integration
among elders. Third, as for scores in the self-integration scale before and after the recall-based group counseling program,
pretest showed no significant difference between experimental and control groups, while the experimental group showed
higher self-integration than the control group, which demonstrated effectiveness of the program.
Therefore, the recall-based group counseling program in this study was effective in improving the understanding of
themselves, enhancing positive self-integration, and decreasing anxiety about the present life and death and depression
among elders, which can provide a solution to various problems, such as psychological and emotional problems and
suicide, among elders in centers concerned. The positive changes in the experimental group provided with the
recall-based group counseling program can help elders improve self-integration and live a good life with self-confidence
at daytime and nighttime nursing homes as well as in various centers.