Confirmatory factor analysis of the Arabic version of the reminiscence functions scale with strict measurement invariance across gender

Abstract

Purpose Recognizing reminiscence functions can help psychiatric nurses promote patients' mental health. This study aimed to confirm the six‐factor, 39‐item structure of the Arabic version of the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) in a sample of Jordanian adults (N = 470) and examine the invariance of structure across gender. Design and Method Post hoc model adjustment was conducted sequentially using modification indices (MI) to improve model fit. Measurement invariance across gender was examined using this adjusted Arabic RFS score (ARFS). Findings After post hoc adjustment using MI, the fit indices for the adjusted (32‐item) ARFS improved, indicating a good fit for the data. The adjusted ARFS factor structure indicated strict measurement invariance across gender. Conclusions: CFA supports a 32‐item, six‐factor model. Practice Implications Psychiatric nurses can use the adjusted ARFS to measure subjects' reminiscence functions and predict the psychological and emotional distress associated with these functions.

The mediating role of religion and loneliness on the association between reminiscence functions and depression: a call to advance older adults' mental health

“…This scale comprises six subscales: Identity/Problem-Solving (11 items), Boredom Reduction (five items), Death Preparation (five items), Teach/Inform and Conversation (five items), Bitterness Revival (five items), and Intimacy Maintenance (five items). Abu Khait et al 27 described further information about how the AARFS was modified from the original RFS. Cronbach's alpha scores for this scale in this study range from 0.89 (RFS Factor 1; Identity/Problem-Solving) to 0.78 (Factor 3; Death Preparation).…”

“…Nurses could work alongside patients to alleviate their painful emotions, ease rumination that might perpetuate mood disturbances, and help them transcend social hardships through spiritual-based reminiscence interventions that promote a reality-based outlook on life and its purpose/meaning. 27 Future studies could also consider asking participants when they last experienced the loss of someone significant in their lives. Intimacy Maintenance frequency will be higher if the loss is more recent.…”

“…26 Reminiscence-based religious behaviours might be a therapeutic tool by which to increase social inclusion, maintain the cultural legacy, and transcend disabilities and loss in older adults. 27 Empirical research has shown that this type of reminiscence is used to adjust to mental health changes 26,28 and combat loneliness and depression while enhancing a sense of connectedness. 27 Although reminiscence functions differ between cultures, there is a paucity of current research on potential relationships between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes in Arab countries.…”

“…27 Empirical research has shown that this type of reminiscence is used to adjust to mental health changes 26,28 and combat loneliness and depression while enhancing a sense of connectedness. 27 Although reminiscence functions differ between cultures, there is a paucity of current research on potential relationships between reminiscence functions and mental health outcomes in Arab countries. 29 To date, the empirical evidence supporting the presence of a reciprocal relationship between reminiscence functions and depressive symptoms among older adults within the context of Arab culture, especially the adaptive value of reminiscence for mental health, has not yet been reported.…”

“…In a study conducted in Jordan ( n = 155), depression scores were found to be mild to moderate (from six to nine out of 15) in 72.3% of older adults, while 18.1% of older adults obtained higher scores, indicating a state of despair virtually all of the time 5 . Various transitions and situational factors can increase the risk of depression among older adults in particular 6 . With age comes grief (the loss of spouses, family, and acquaintances), health issues (chronic pain, distress, and cognitive decline), transition to retirement (social and financial insecurity), reduced self‐autonomy (and the stress it places on caregivers, especially family members), and new environments (nursing homes or assisted living facilities) 2 .…”