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Reality Orientation: A Critical Appraisal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Linda Powell-Proctor  and
Edgar Miller
Linda Powell-Proctor
Affiliation:
Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, England
Edgar Miller
Affiliation:
Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, England
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Summary

Reality orientation is now extensively used with psychogeriatric patients. The evidence for its effectiveness is reviewed and the underlying philosophy and assumptions are critically examined. Whilst reality orientation does appear to have some effect the benefits are small and restricted in range. It can be argued that it is not directed at the most appropriate therapeutic goals. Reality orientation should be seen as the starting point for the development of more effective intervention techniques for use with this client population and not as an end in itself.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 140 , Issue 5 , May 1982 , pp. 457 - 463
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1982 

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