Reminiscence, personality, and psychological functioning in older adults

Purpose: The present study examined the relationships between the frequency and functions of reminiscence, personality styles, and psychological funct ioning. There is little research on the psychological factors that correlat e with reminiscence, especially in relationship to clinical constructs such as depression and anxiety. Research in the area of reminiscence functions may facilitate a better understanding of the factors affecting change in re miniscence therapies. Design and Methods: Seventy-seven healthy older adult s completed the following self-report scales: Reminiscence Functions Scale, NEO Five Factor Personality Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-Second Ed ition, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Templer-McMordie Death Anxiet y Scale. Results: Using canonical correlation techniques, results indicated that individuals with negative psychological functioning frequently remini sce as a way to refresh bitter memories, reduce boredom, and prepare for de ath. Implications: The present study provides implications for both researc hers and clinicians. Contrary to previous studies, results indicate that de pressed and anxious older adults commonly use reminiscence and therefore ma y be appropriate candidates for reminiscence treatments.