When Harry Met Sally: Older Adult Spouses’ First Encounter Reminiscing and Well-Being

Abstract

Background and Objectives Interest in reminiscence activities for older adults has grown in recent years, but the benefits of co-reminiscence are not well-known. Drawing from a narrative identity framework, this study examined older adult spouses’ co-reminiscence about their first encounters. We hypothesized that perceived closeness and support increase when spouses co-reminisce and that greater perceptions of closeness and support after reminiscing relate to lower depressive symptoms and greater marital satisfaction in daily life. Research Design and Methods One hundred and one couples completed questionnaires measuring marital satisfaction and depressive symptoms at home and then participated in a laboratory session in which they co-reminisced about their first encounters. Self-reported perceived support and relationship closeness were obtained before and after reminiscence. T- tests and Actor Partner Interdependence Models were used to examine hypotheses. Results As hypothesized, closeness and perceived support increased from pre to post reminiscence for husbands and wives. In addition, one’s own relationship closeness after reminiscence was positively associated with own marital satisfaction (actor effect). One’s perceived support after reminiscence was positively related to spouse’s marital satisfaction and negatively associated with their spouse’s depressive symptoms (partner effects). Discussion and Implications Findings suggest that co-reminiscence about early relationship development can boost feelings of closeness and support for older adults. Benefiting from co-reminiscence in this way also appears to indicate broader relationship and individual wellbeing. Brief co-reminiscence activities may nurture late-life relational well-being.

Beyond memory: The transcendence of episodic narratives.

“…Turning to the second point, sharing memories not only influences the trajectory of the shared experiences, but also holds substantial value for social connection. Memory sharing can increase feelings of closeness (Guan & Wang, 2022; also see related research by Alea & Bluck, 2007), relationship satisfaction (e.g., Alea & Vick, 2010; Mroz et al, 2022), and intimacy (e.g., Majzoobi & Forstmeier, 2022). 7 Reminiscing more broadly has a host of benefits as well.…”

Similarity as a safe haven: Similarity leads to satisfaction in prevention focus

“…In contrast, similarity might not kindle as intense a drive for such interconnectedness among this group. Interconnectedness, subsequently, is anticipated to influence their marital satisfaction (Mroz et al, 2022).…”

Untangling Social Reminiscing and Emotional Support

“…Another strength of this thesis was my use of dyadic data analysis to study reminiscing. Although dyadic analysis in reminiscing research is increasing (e.g., Dewhirst et al, 2020;Mroz et al, 2022), most existing reminiscing (and related) research has focused on other data analytic methods. For instance, using correlations between actor and partner behaviour (e.g., Sales & Fivush, 2005) using trained confederates as partners to control for partner behaviour (e.g., Pasupathi et al, 1998), or using qualitative microanalysis of reminiscing conversations (e.g., Bavelas & Gerwing, 2011).…”