Reminiscence, Personality, and Psychological Functioning in Older Adults

Abstract

The present study provides implications for both researchers and clinicians. Contrary to previous studies, results indicate that depressed and anxious older adults commonly use reminiscence and therefore may be appropriate candidates for reminiscence treatments.

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

“…That life review has greater effects on psychological well-being than plain reminiscence can also be explained on the basis of recent correlation/population studies. It was found that bitterness revival and boredom reduction correlate with higher levels of psychological distress and lower levels of life-satisfaction (Cappeliez et al, 2005;Cully et al, 2001). Integrative reminiscence (focusing on evaluation and synthesis) and instrumental reminiscence (focusing on former problem solving) were found to correlate with successful aging (Wong & Watt, 1991).…”

“…Eight functions are discerned: boredom reduction, death preparation, identity-forming, conversation, intimacy maintenance, bitterness revival, teach/ inform, problem-solving. 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.…”

Effect of Group Reminiscence Therapy on Depression among institutionalized elderly in Dakahlia Governorate – Egypt

“…One type of psychotherapy that has been studied is participation in reminiscence therapy. This intervention is cost-effective and relatively free from harmful effect (7) . Reminiscence therapy can be defined as a therapy that uses the recall of past memories or stories, feelings and thoughts to facilitate pleasure, quality of life or adaptation to present circumstances (8).…”

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.…”