PREDICTORS OF REMINISCENCE - A LIFE-SPAN PERSPECTIVE

Age (18-81 years), sex, and personality (Extraversion, Neuroticism, Op enness to Experience) variables were used as predictors of four dimens ions of reminiscence behaviour. Contrary to theoretical assumptions, a ge did not predict reminiscence frequency. Neither were there age diff erences in terms of emotional tone or philosophical content of reminis cence. Memory remoteness, however, was predicted by age. Personality t raits, in contrast, were significant predictors for all four reminisce nce dimensions. Finally, sex predicted reminiscence frequency. The res ults are discussed from a lifespan perspective.