Functions of reminiscence and mental health in later life

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which various forms of reminiscence predict life satisfaction and psychiatric distress with and without control for the contribution of personality traits (n=420). Among older adults, reminiscences to revive old problems and to fill a void of stimulation were associated with lower life satisfaction and greater psychiatric distress. Reminiscence to maintain connection with a departed person also predicted psychiatric distress. In contrast, reminiscences for death preparation and to foster conversation were linked with higher life satisfaction. Based on our proposed model of the functions of reminiscence, discussion focuses on adaptive and non-adaptive uses of reminiscence in later life.

The effects of reminiscence on psychological well-being in older adults: A meta-analysis

“…In a recent study using the RFS, it was found that higher levels of bitterness revival, boredom reduction, death preparation and total reminiscence correlated with higher levels of anxiety and that depression was correlated with bitterness revival (Cully et al, 2001). Cappeliez, O'Rourke and Chaudhury, (2005) found that boredom reduction and bitterness revival predicted lower life satisfaction, and death preparation predicted higher life satisfaction. These studies show that mere stimulation of reminiscence may not always enhance psychological well-being.…”

The Effects of Integrative Reminiscence on Depressive Symptomatology and Mastery of Older Adults

“…Wink and Schiff (2002) suggest that only 30-50% of the older adults go through a process of life-review. In addition it has been found that some reminiscence styles (boredom reduction and bitterness revival) correlate strongly with both psychological distress and neurotic personality traits (Cully et al 2001;Cappeliez et al 2005). Theoretically this would make persons with these reminiscence styles prime candidates for life-review interventions, but it is yet unclear to what extent negative reminiscence styles can indeed be changed.…”

“…Identity-forming reminiscence (similar to Integrative reminiscence or life-review) and problem-solving reminiscence (similar to instrumental reminiscence) have been found to correlate with successful aging (Wong and Watt 1991). Reminiscence for the sake of bitterness revival was found to correlate with higher levels of depression (Cully et al 2001;Cappeliez et al 2005). Therefore reminiscence as treatment of late-life depression should not only promote integrative reminiscence and problem-solving reminiscence but also reduce or transform bitterness-revival.…”

A brief report on an action learning group exploration of how older people adapt to change in later life

“…General strategies to minimise the negative impact that these changes might have on quality of life include the individual use of reminiscence 3,18 , dancing 19,20 , maintaining activity 21 , independence 3 , social relationships and affiliations 22,4,6 and engagement with family 23,24 , 'mainstream' society 25 and by going out 23 . When this was not possible, having established primary or secondary (cognitive adaptation) 5 control and influence over informal care 8 and/or external help and services 3,6,26 was seen as an important component of maintaining a good quality of life.…”