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Can a Reminiscing Intervention Alter Depression and Self-Esteem?
Abstract
This study assessed the value of reminiscing as a therapeutic intervention for older persons. A decrease in depression and an increase in self-esteem were the hypothesized outcomes. Twenty-one community residents, mean age seventy-seven years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first group was involved in structured reminiscing for forty-five minutes during each of five weeks; the second group was a control that focused on current life events; and the third group was a no-treatment control. Analysis of changes from pretest to posttest revealed no significant differences for either depression or self-esteem. This study provides no support for claims that reminiscing can be an effective short-term therapeutic intervention.
... Met de keuze voor waargenomen zelfcompetentie als tweede uitkomstvariabele plaatsten we ons eveneens in een traditie van onderzoek dat de effecten van reminiscentie op zelfbeeld en zelfwaarde heeft onderzocht (Perrotta & Meacham, 1981;Haight, 1991 (Haight, 1992;Rattenbury & Stones, 1989). Ook een vermindering van depressieve symptomen werd reeds vastgesteld (Watt & Cappeliez, 2000). ...
... The choice for an outcome variable like 'self-perceived competence' was based on studies that found an effect of reminiscence work on self-concept and self-esteem (Perrotta & Meacham, 1981;Haight, 1991). This beneficial effect is predicted by multiple theories: ...
Reminiscentie kan men omschrijven als het stil of uitgesproken verwoorden van herinneringen aan een ver verleden. Onderzoek heeft aangetoond dat mensen van alle leeftijden reminisceren, maar het fenomeen is voornamelijk bij oudere mensen onderzocht. Vooral de relatie met het psychisch (dys)functioneren werd een onderwerp van studie, mede door de algemeen verspreide opvatting dat reminiscentie of levensevaluatie noodzakelijk is om 'succesvol' ouder te worden (Butler, 1963). Het idee dat reminiscentie de ouder wordende persoon kan verzoenen met zijn verleden, werd echter in heel wat onderzoek genuanceerd. Reminiscentie kent verschillende functies en types, waarvan sommige inderdaad geassocieerd kunnen worden met 'een goede oude dag', maar andere helemaal niet (Wong & Watt, 1991). Reminiscentietherapieën werken vooral op ‘integratieve’ (verzoenende) en 'instrumentele' (probleemoplossende) reminiscentie. De methoden voor reminiscentiewerk stellen niet zozeer de evaluatie van het verleden, dan wel de overlevering van informatie, het sociale contact en het plezier van het vertellen voorop. Het vertellen over vroeger, met specifieke anekdotes, wordt door ouderen zelf als een aangename en zinvolle activiteit beschouwd. De wetenschap lijkt opnieuw aan te pikken bij het belang van deze simpele 'narratieve' vorm van reminiscentie door te onderzoeken hoe de vaardigheid om specifieke herinneringen te vertellen verband houdt met stemmingsniveau en -stoornissen. Effectonderzoek van reminiscentiewerk dat specifieke en anekdotische herinneringen stimuleert, is zeldzaam, en totnogtoe onbestaande voor mensen met een verstandelijke handicap. De motivatie om de betekenis van reminiscentie(werk) precies bij oudere mensen met een verstandelijke handicap te onderzoeken was het gegeven dat deze groep een groter risico heeft op psychische problemen in het algemeen en op stemmingsstoornissen in het bijzonder (Davidson, Prasher & Janicki, 2003). Mensen met een verstandelijke handicap hebben een grotere kans op negatieve levensgebeurtenissen, stressoren waarover ze vaak geen controle kunnen uitoefenen Ze missen ook dikwijls de juiste cognitieve strategieën om tegenslagen te verwerken en hebben minder verbale en sociale vaardigheden om steun te zoeken en te vinden bij anderen (Oswin, 1991). Een goede begeleiding van familie en professionele begeleiders op vlak van omgang met het verleden kan daarom van groot (preventief) belang zijn. We maakten zelf een onderscheid in drie visies op begeleiding in dit verband: een sociaal-kritische, een persoonsgerichte (person-centered), en een klinisch/therapeutische benadering. We onderzochten reminiscentie bij ouder wordende mensen met een verstandelijke handicap voornamelijk vanuit het derde perspectief maar ook in het licht van een breder ‘succesvol ouder worden’-kader. De relatie tussen reminiscentie en subjectief welbevinden stond centraal.
In manuscript 1 wordt reminiscentie op een kwalitatieve manier verkend door middel van een inhoudsanalyse op levensevaluatie-interviews met 10 onderzoekssubjecten. De meest voorkomende onderwerpen en de grotere variatie in negatieve thema’s en voorbeelden van alle reminiscentie types worden geduid en besproken. De conclusie is dat reminiscentietheorieën ook toepasbaar lijken bij mensen met een verstandelijke handicap.
Manuscript 2 schetst de beschikbare wetenschappelijke literatuur over reminiscentie bij mensen met een verstandelijke handicap, classificeert de publicaties in een sociaal-kritische, persoonsgerichte en klinische benadering, en duidt op het ontbreken van evaluatieonderzoek.
Manuscript 3 beschrijft de ontwikkeling van een aangepast narratief groepsreminiscentie programma door middel van een handelingsgericht onderzoeksopzet. Via een intensieve formatieve evaluatie in 1 case en een korte productevaluatie in 6 cases wordt de handleiding voor het programma op punt gesteld. Belangrijkste aanpassingen zijn de toevoeging van extra visuele stimuli, een vaste sessiestructuur en drie begeleiderrollen.
Manuscript 4 presenteert een evaluatie van het differentiële effect van groepsreminiscentie tegenover
een alternatieve vorm van groepswerk op aspecten van subjectief welbevinden door middel van een quasi-experimenteel ABA-design. Levenstevredenheid en zelf waargenomen competentie konden niet beïnvloed worden. De toename in stemmingsniveau kon weliswaar niet experimenteel, maar wel door een tijdseffect verklaard worden. De mate van specifieke herinneringen van de deelnemers bleek geen covariaat, maar wel hun mate van extraversie en emotionele stabiliteit. De hypothese verschoof naar de positieve effecten van het groepswerk zelf.
Manuscript 5 rapporteert over een gemengde effect/proces-evaluatie van groepsreminiscentie met
bijzondere aandacht voor activiteit, focus en uitgedrukt welbevinden tijdens de sessies. Een sequentiële analyse op gestructureerde gedragsdata leverde evidentie dat groepsreminiscentie activerend en betrokkenheidverhogend kan werken, en dat visuele strategieën daarbij efficiënter zijn dan verbale. Reminiscence can be defined as silently or explicitly expressing memories of a distant past. Research has demonstrated that people of all ages reminisce, but the phenomenon has been researched mainly in older people. Especially its relation to psychological (dys)functioning has become a subject of study, partly by the generally widespread opinion that reminiscence or ‘life review’ is necessary in order to age ‘successfully’ (Butler, 1963). The idea that reminiscence can reconcile the ageing person with his past has been questioned in a lot of research. Reminiscence has different functions and types; some of them may indeed be associated with ‘a good old age’, both others not at all (Wong & Watt, 1991). Reminiscence therapies have focused primarily on 'integrative' (reconciling) and 'instrumental' (problem solving) reminiscence. Reminiscence work on the other hand, does not involve an evaluation of the past, but concentrates on ‘simple’ reminiscence. The aims are to pass on information, to have social contacts and to enjoy the sheer pleasure of storytelling. Elderly people themselves regard telling of the old days, with specific anecdotes, as a pleasant and meaningful activity. Science seems to link up again with the importance of this simple 'narrative' form of reminiscence by researching how the skill of relating specific memories is linked to mood disorders. Research into the effect of reminiscence work stimulating specific and anecdotal memories, is rare, and until now inexistent as to people with intellectual disabilities.
The reason why we wanted to research the relevance of reminiscence (work) precisely in (with) elder people with intellectual disabilities was the fact that this group runs a greater risk of metal health problems in general and mood disorders in particular (Davidson, Prasher & Janicki, 2003). People with intellectual disabilities run a greater risk of negative life events, stressors they often cannot control. They also often lack the right cognitive strategies in order to deal with setbacks and have less verbal and social skills in order to seek and find support from others (Oswin, 1991). Good support by family and professional attendants as to dealing with the past is therefore of great (preventive) importance. We have distinguished three views on support in this context: a socio-critical, a person-centered, and a clinical/therapeutic approach. We have investigated reminiscence with ageing people with intellectual disabilities especially from the third point of view, but also in the light of a broader ‘successful ageing’-framework. The connection between reminiscence and subjective well-being is the central issue in this doctorate.
In manuscript 1 the quality of reminiscence is explored by means of a content analysis on life review-interviews with 10 research subjects. The most frequent subjects, the greater variation of negative themes, and examples of all reminiscence types are interpreted and discussed. The conclusion is that reminiscence theory also seems to apply to people with intellectual disabilities.
Manuscript 2 surveys the available scientific literature on reminiscence in people with intellectual disabilities, classifies the publications in a socio-critical, individual and clinical approach, and interprets the lack of evaluation research.
Manuscript 3 describes the development of an adapted narrative group reminiscence program by means of an action-oriented research design. By means of a formative evaluation in one case and a product evaluation in six cases the manual to the program was finalized. Major adjustments to the program included the addition of extra visual stimuli, a fixed session structure and three support roles.
Manuscript 4 presents an evaluation of the differential effect of group reminiscence as opposed to an alternative form of group work on aspects of subjective well-being by means of a quasi-experimental ABA-design. Life satisfaction and self-perceived competence could not be influenced. Although mood level could not be experimentally manipulated, it nonetheless seemed to increase over time. The participants’ expressed level of memory specificity did not turn out to be a covariate, but the degree of extraversion and emotional stability did. The hypothesis shifted to the positive effects of the group work itself.
Manuscript 5 reports on a mixed effect- and process-evaluation of group reminiscence with attention to activities, focus and expressed well-being during the sessions. A sequential analysis of structured behavioural data gave provisional proof that group reminiscence may have an activating and involving effect, and that in that process visual strategies are more efficient than verbal ones.
cient than verbal ones. Doctor in de Pedagogische Wetenschappen Centrum voor Orthopedagogiek Departement Pedagogische wetenschappen Faculteit Psychologie en pedagogische wetenschappen Doctoral thesis Doctoraatsthesis
... Unfortunately, most of these reports are descriptive and anecdotal, and conflicting results have been reported (Merriam, 1980;Revere & Tobin, 1980-1981Thornton & Brotchie, 1987). Other studies have found that reminiscence is of little or no aid in adapting to aging (Brennan & Steinberg, 1983Fallot, 1979Fallot, -1980Lowenthal, Thurnher, &Chiriboga, 1975;Perotta &Meacham, 1981-1982 Revere & Tobin, 1980& Tobin, -1981. ...
To resolve the controversy regarding the adaptive benefits of reminiscence, the study was conducted to investigate what types of reminiscence are associated with successful aging. On the basis of prior research and content analysis, 6 types of reminiscence were identified: integrative, instrumental, transmissive, narrative, escapist, and obsessive. Successful aging was operationally defined as higher than average ratings in mental and physical health and adjustment as determined by an interviewer and a panel of gerontological professionals. Reminiscence data were gathered from 88 men and women judged to be aging successfully and 83 men and women judged to be aging unsuccessfully. All subjects were between 65 and 95 years of age, with approximately half living in the community and half in institutions. As predicted, successful agers showed significantly more integrative and instrumental reminiscence but less obsessive reminiscence than their unsuccessful counterparts. Community dwellers also showed more instrumental and integrative reminiscence than institutionalized seniors showed. Thus, only certain types of reminiscence are beneficial.
... Butler (1963), in his seminal article on life review, suggested that reminiscing, the act or process of recalling the past, is a way to achieve ego integrity and resolve inner conflicts that might otherwise lead to depression and despair. Although some authors have reported a reduction in depressive symptoms in older, community-dwelling participants after life review or reminiscence (Arean et al., 1993;Davis, 2004;Fallot, 1980), other authors have reported no difference (Haight, 1988;Perrotta & Meacham, 1981;Stevens-Ratchford, 1993). ...
The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to test the efficacy of a community-based intervention, the Life Story Workshop, on depressive symptoms, operationalized as depression subscale scores on the Brief Symptom Inventory 18, in adults age 60 and older. Thirty-three men and women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group that attended 2-hour workshops once a week for 10 weeks or a wait-list control group. The intervention provided an opportunity for older participants to reflect on, write, and share stories about their lived and current lives. The depression subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 was administered before and after the workshops. Mean depression scores were compared using Welch's t test. A significant improvement was measured for the intervention group compared with the control group (p = .03). This research supports the Life Story Workshop as an effective intervention for improving depressive symptoms in older adults.
... Increasing life expectancy, reducing the symptoms of depression, increasing life satisfaction, and improving self-care, and assisting people to deal with crises and losses are some of the positive effects of reminiscence therapy among the elderly (28). Meacham and Perrota (1981) demonstrated that reminiscence therapy would be effective as a short-term intervention for improving self-esteem and reducing depression (29). Further, in his study, Youssef showed that group reminiscence reduced depression among the elderly (30). ...
... te ren pek çok ça lış ma ya rast lan ma sı na rağ men, 14,17 bi rey sel eği ti mi sa vu nan ça lış ma lar da mev cuttur. 18,19 Ça lış ma mız da çok amaç lı ak ti vi te le rin birey sel ve ril di ği ev gru bun da ke li me akı cı lı ğı nın art tı ğı gö rül müş tür. ...
Objective: Multi-purpose activities are important for their support on geriatric and gerontology studies since the number of elderly is increasing throughout the world. The aim of this study was to show the effect of multi-purpose activity training on cognitive functions in the elderly who reside at home and in a resthouse. Material and Methods: Sixty-seven subjects, 60 years and older, participated in the study; 34 subjects were living in a resthouse and 33 subjects were living at home. Demographic features such as birth date, gender, marital status, personal health status, heredity, literacy and free time activities of the subjects were recorded. The short portative mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ) and word fluency test were performed pre-and post intervention. Cognitive activities were performed two days a week for twelve weeks, with each section lasting forty five minutes. The effects of group activity training in a resthouse and individual training at home on cognitive functions were compared by appropriate statistical methods. Results: The mean age of the subjects in the resthouse was 74.5 ± 7.59 and in home group 70.66 ± 5.02 years. Before activity training there was no difference in cognitive functions between resthouse and home groups (p>0.05). In comparison of home and resthouse groups; a significant difference was found in word fluency in favor of home group after the activity training (p< 0.05). Investigation of the effect of activity training on cognitive functions revealed that the differences between the pre-and postactivity trainings were not significant in any of the groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates the need of new studies that consider other examples of assessment and activity to improve cognitive functions of elderly. Possibilities for elderly to participate in the activities should be increased and new studies with longer follow-up periods must be performed.
... Our review of the literature found six published reports on controlled studies of group treatments for non-cognitively impaired elderly patients with depression. Perrotta and Meacham 16 reported that group reminiscence therapy was no more effective than a waiting-list control condition. In contrast, self-management therapy and education groups were both superior to a waiting-list control condition. ...
... The relationship between reminiscing and measures of adaptation was further explored (e.g., Boylin, Gordon, and Nehrke 1976; Coleman 1974; Havighurst and Glasser 1972; Lewis 1971; Lowenthal, Thurnher, and Chiriboga 1975; McMahon and Rhudick 1964). In addition, life review was applied as a therapeutic intervention, and the effects on depression, self-esteem, and life satisfaction were studied (e.g., Lappe 1987; Perrotta and Meacham 1981), often with mixed results. Many reviews of reminiscence research and practice (e.g., Bluck and Levine 1998; Bohlmeijer, Smit, and Cuijpers 2003; Coleman 1986; Haber 2006; Haight 1991; Kovach 1990; Molinari and Reichlin 1985; Romaniuk and Romaniuk 1981; Thornton and Brotchie 1987; Webster 2001; Webster and Cappeliez 1993 ) have been completed and generally agree on the main limitations in the field. ...
Nearly 50 years after Butler's seminal 1963 contribution, the field of remini-scence and life review is entering a more mature stage. Isolated examples of increasingly sophisticated studies have recently emerged that can serve as a sound, cumulative data base. However, the field lacks an overarching conceptual model describing emerging trends, neglected domains, and key linkages among component parts. In the present article, the authors selectively, yet critically, review prior limitations and promising developments and then describe a comprehensive, multifaceted conceptual model that can guide future research and practice. The authors initially situate their model within a particular theoretical orientation (i.e., life-span psychology). They then describe a heuristic model that identifies and discusses triggers, modes, contexts, moderators, functions, and outcomes. Finally, the authors illustrate how these interactive factors influence both theoretical and applied areas.
... Our secondary purpose was to extend previous work by (a) examining the relationship between reminiscence functions and an important aspect of life satisfaction, namely, happiness, and (b) investigating whether the perceived importance of social reminiscence within a family context is correlated with the frequency of reminiscence functions. With respect to the former, life satisfaction has often been included as a dependent variable in reminiscence studies (e.g., Haight, 1988; Perotta & Meacham, 1981) with conflicting results. Part of the problem may be that only certain facets of reminiscence are positively related to life satisfaction while others are negatively related. ...
Reminiscence, a naturally occurring process of recalling personally experienced events from our past, has been investigated primarily from a clinical, gerontological perspective. A total of 268 participants (100 male, 168 female) ranging in age from 17 to 88 years (M age = 40.02, SD = 20.32) completed the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), the Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH), and a single-item question assessing the perceived importance of shared family memories. Results indicated neither age nor gender differences on the total RFS score, indicating that men and women of all ages reminisce equally frequently. However, there were gender and age differences on specific dimensions of reminiscence. Specifically, women scored higher on the RFS factor of Identity (Idn) and lower on Bitterness Revival (BiR). Younger adults tended to score higher on the RFS factors of Boredom Reduction (BoR), BiR, Problem-Solving (PS), and Idn compared to older adults. In contrast, older adults tended to score higher on the RFS factors of Teach/Inform (T/I) and Death Preparation (DP). BoR, BiR, and PS correlated negatively with happiness, whereas Conversation (C) and T/I correlated positively with happiness. Finally, T/I, Intimacy Maintenance (IM), Idn, and C all correlated positively with the measure of the perceived importance of shared family memories. The results replicate earlier work with the RFS and suggest that examining reminiscence from a contextual, lifespan perspective is an important research area.
... In reviewing studies, Thornton and Brotchie (1987) concluded that because of discrepant fi ndings, the adaptive function of reminiscence was unconfi rmed. Perrotta and Meacham (1981) studied the effects of reminiscence on non-confused elderly adults and concluded that reminiscence had no effect on either depression or self-esteem. Conversely, Fallot (1980) identifi ed positive self-reporting mood effects related to reminiscence in women and appeared to provide them with an 'adaptive function in later life' (p. ...
This phenomenological study explores the experiences and perceptions of the telling of life stories of four post-war immigrants living in a multicultural residential aged-care setting in Australia. This study aims to shed light on what participants feel about life stories, and the prospect of involvement in the documentation of their life story in order to provide insight and understanding for optimum programme facilitation and better resident care.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the four participants. Data were audiotaped and transcribed. Phenomenological methods were used to explicate data.
Three main themes emerged: diminution of guilt, social sharing – common bonds and, the urge to ‘feel’ the past to ‘fill’ the present. It is apparent that aged survivors of war, and displacement to a new country, feel residual guilt regarding the leaving of their homeland. The prospect of documenting their life stories offers an opportunity to provide an explanation for their decision.
Immersion in life stories allows the re-experiencing and sharing of past emotions and sensations. Engagement in occupational reminiscence enhances understanding a person's lived life experience, which adds meaning to one's life. Copyright
... Thornton and Brotchie, 1987). In studying different forms of retrospection, previous researchers have distinguished between individual vs. group (Butler and Lewis, 1982;Perotta and Meacham, 1981), silent vs. oral (Havighurst and Glasser, 1972), cognitive/intrapersonal vs. conversational/interpersonal (Romaniuk and Romaniuk, 1981), and purposive vs. spontaneous (Havighurst and Glasser, 1972) reminiscence. Although these distinctions have been suggested as different forms that reminiscence may take, virtually no empirical work has examined the particular strategies individuals use to intensify their recall of the past in the course of their everyday FRED B. BRYANT ET AL. lives and whether or not such strategies differentially promote positive affect. ...
Two studies explored relations between positive reminiscing and emotional experience – a survey of naturally occurring reminiscence (Study 1) and a field experiment testing the affective consequences of two styles of reminiscing (Study 2). In Study 1, frequency of positive reminiscing predicted perceived ability to enjoy life, and students who reminisced using cognitive imagery reported a greater ability to savor positive events than those who reminisced using memorabilia. In Study 2, students were randomly assigned either to reminisce about pleasant memories using cognitive imagery, reminisce about pleasant memories using memorabilia, or think about current concerns (control condition) for 10 min twice daily for a week. Both reminiscence groups reported greater increases in the percent of time they felt happy over the past week than the control group; and happiness increased more in the cognitive imagery group than in the memorabilia group.
This research explores consumer loneliness and its resulting preference for mnemonic features as the psychological antecedents of social media use and studies its consequence on consumer behavior. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a survey with a large sample (N = 1307) and analyzed the data using PLS structural equation modeling method. We show that individuals with higher (vs. lower) feelings of loneliness show a lower (vs. higher) affinity to mnemonic features of social media platforms, making them more likely to use Snapchat (vs. Facebook). This effect persists after controlling for demographic factors (such as age and gender) and other known motivations behind social media choice. These two groups of social media users also exhibit different types of consumer behavior resulting from their underlying affinity to mnemonic features. Snapchat users tend to be more variety‐seeking and prefer newer brands (vs. established brands) than Facebook users. Our research contributes to the literature on the adoption of social media platforms by studying an important individual difference variable and integrating the concept of mnemonic features of social media as a key driving factor in that choice. The findings can give managers essential insights into the usership of social media platforms and help them select the right platform for their social media campaigns.
Intergenerational Health Review (IHR) postulates that reminiscence of personal history is a reconciling process beneficial to individuals since it helps to find meaning in life and gain a better sense of well-being. This paper presents a college course project, within which students documented reminiscence stories in older adults’ lives based on an event of recovery from illness. Evaluation of findings indicated that the pilot IHR project benefited students and older participants. Future studies should investigate how a college project like IHR can work on promoting the goal of intrinsic motivation rather than just focusing on grades.
Knowledge regarding the clinical psychology of later life (to be called “clinical geropsychology” for convenience) began, as did most psychological knowledge, with the astute observations of scholars and writers. Subjects for observations must have been very rare, however, as the average length of life in mid-Roman times was 22 years, while during the American Colonial period it was 35.5 years (Dublin, Lotka, & Spiegelman, 1949). Against this standard, the Roman emperors’ mean age of death at 42 seems extraordinary. Thus the conclusion is clear that whoever was observed at really advanced ages constituted a most biased, longevous sample.
Die Tradition der Erinnerungsarbeit im Gruppensetting
ist älter als die der Erinnerungsarbeit im Einzelsetting. Erste unstrukturierte Gruppeninterventionen hatten zum Ziel, dass ältere Menschen Erinnerungen aktivieren und austauschen (z.B. Perrotta u. Meacham 1981). Später wurden auch strukturierte Varianten der Erinnerungsarbeit eingesetzt. Die Teilnehmer sollten befähigt werden, das eigene Leben systematisch neu zu bewerten, Konflikte zu lösen und Ressourcen wiederzuentdecken. Dieses strukturierte Vorgehen wurde sowohl im Gruppen- als auch im Einzelsetting eingesetzt (z.B. Haight 1988).
Reminiscence and life review are significant natural coping mechanisms, and, as treatment modalities, both can help older adults find meaning through reflection on their life experiences. The appeal of reminiscence and life review for geriatric social workers and other mental health professionals, is that the interventions are non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing, and easy to provide to older adults. This chapter is divided into four sections. The first section addresses the theoretical background of reminiscence and life review. The second examines the efficacy of life review and reminiscence interventions for different target groups. The third section describes successful intervention methods, and the fourth discusses implications for practice in relation to several emerging issues in reminiscence and life review research.
Reminiscence therapy is one of the empirically supported psychotherapies for the treatment of depression in late adulthood (Chambless & Ollendick, 2001). This paper presents theoretical and practical arguments for the use of reminiscences in the context of cognitive therapy for depression with older patients. Taking into consideration the particular characteristics of older patients, it underlines the advantages of integrating the two approaches of reminiscence therapy and cognitive therapy on both conceptual and practical grounds. The emphasis is placed on two therapeutic types of reminiscence, namely integrative reminiscence and instrumental reminiscence, with a description of therapeutic processes and intervention procedures.
Cognitive Stimulation (CS) trainings are non-pharmacological treatments widely used in dementia care. 3R Mental Stimulation is a particular type of CS, which consists of sequential association of ROT, Reminiscence and Remotivation during the same session. This pilot study sought to investigate whether CS, based on 3R program, could benefit cognitive functions, autonomy and behavioral disorders.
3R-CS treatment was applied to 36 patients, which are part of the "TREDEM" study sample, and their caregivers. All patients received a multidimensional assessment consisting of a socio-demographic, clinical and neuropsychological data collection.
After CS treatment a significant improvement was detected in cognition and autonomy in basic activities of daily living. Caregiver distress was decreased. Behavioral disturbances were reduced even when considering a potential confounding factor such as treatment with anticholinesterase or NMDA receptor antagonist drugs.
The findings demonstrated that 3R-CS can benefit cognitive functions and level of autonomy in the basic activities of daily living and also it can reduce behavioral disorders and caregiver's distress.
A survey of the functions of autobiographical remembering, using as a tool a framework set forth by Habermas (1971), who suggests that human activity can be understood in terms of three fundamental human interests. Many investigations of autobiographical remembering reflect an expression of the technical interest in maintaining a faithful record of the events and experience's of one's personal past. The second interest, the practical or interpersonal interest, directs our attention to a primary function of autobiographical remembering, namely, to provide a foundation for interpersonal or cooperative action. The third interest, the emancipatory interest, directs our attention to an additional major function of autobiographical remembering, namely, the freeing of the individual from forces of domination, including identities, outlooks on life, and coping styles that are no longer adaptive for the individual.
Research on the success of life review therapy with older persons has been equivocal. This article suggests a related but less time consuming and possibly more productive alternative for facilitating ego integrity in late maturity. The Adlerian concept of Early Recollections is discussed in detail, with concrete suggestions for therapy and examples provided.
Reminiscence has been identified as an important contributor to adaptation in later life by gerontologists, developmental theorists and clinical practitioners. Despite its wide acceptance as an intervention, there remains some doubt about its therapeutic efficiency. In order to assess the value of reminiscence for the treatment of depression in older adults, cognitive theories of depression were integrated with reminiscence theory to develop two standardized integrative and instrumental reminiscence interventions. Integrative reminiscence therapy aims at a constructive re-appraisal of interpretations and emotions to past self-defining events, whereas instrumental reminiscence uses memories for providing evidence of past successful coping and for identifying appropriate coping strategies. These interventions were implemented in a short-term group format and compared to an active socialization group as the control condition. Twenty-six older adults with moderate to severe depression constituted the sample. Evaluation of the clinical significance of the results showed that both reminiscence therapies led to significant improvements in the symptoms of depression at the end of the intervention. In the integrative group, 58% of clients demonstrated clinically significant improvement at post-test, yielding an effect size (ES) of 0.86. At follow-up three months later, 100% of integrative clients had improved clinically (ES=0.96). In the instrumental group, 56% of clients demonstrated clinically significant improvement at post-test (ES=0.81) and 88% improved at the follow-up (ES=0.89).
Findings from previous research on the benefits of reminiscence and life review in the aging process have been inconclusive. This may be due in part to a lack of clarity with regard to the particular type of reminiscence being investigated. The study reported in this article attempted to bring some clarity to the phenomenon of reminiscence by identifying and differentiating its various uses or functions. A 17‐item Uses of Reminiscence scale was administered to 288 older adults as part of the Georgia Centenarian Study. A factor analysis of the data revealed three distinct uses of reminiscence: “therapeutic,” “informative,” and “enjoyment.” Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Reminiscing, the mental activity of dwelling on the past, was quantified during a semistructured interview known for its reliability. Eighteen depressed, hospitalized patients (mean age 62 years; DSM-III major depressive disorder) were compared to 12 normals with equivalent demographic characteristics. The depressed patients prior to treatment had significantly lower reminiscing scores. When the interviews were repeated after 3–4 weeks, the 10 patients treated with ECT were significantly improved clinically and their reminiscing score had increased to normal levels. The eight patients who received antidepressant medication were non-responsive to treatment and reminiscing was further reduced during their second interview. The role of reminiscing and its therapeutic potential in ageing are discussed.
This paper reviews the literature on the adaptive benefits of reminiscence therapy and concludes that the inconsistent findings are primarily due to failure to specify the different types of reminiscence involved in prior studies. The development of a new taxonomy and the coding procedure are described. The taxonomy classifies six types of reminiscence: integrative, instrumental, transmissive, narrative, escapist, and obsessive. The definition, functions, and illustrative examples of each type of reminiscence are provided. Finally, the paper presents new ways of reminiscence therapy based on this new taxonomy.
Discusses major theoretical perspectives of personal meaning; examines the evidence bearing on the role of personal meaning in health promotion and successful aging; and describes 4 major strategies to maintain a sense of significance in the face of personal loss, suffering, and impending death. Research findings are cited to illustrate the importance of these meaning-enhancing strategies in the aging process: reminiscence, commitment, optimism, and religiosity or religious beliefs and practices. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Examined the effects of a positive reminiscing intervention in 60 60–98 yr old females who were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. Ss in the 1st group received a positive reminiscing intervention and were then tested for changes in affect, expectancy, and performance. Ss in the 2nd group were encouraged to discuss pleasant present experiences and were then given the same dependent measures. Control Ss were given the dependent measures and were then asked to talk about either past or present experiences. No significant differences among the groups were found on any measure, indicating that reminiscing may not always be an effective intervention. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Two parallel research traditions (i.e., the clinical/reminiscence and the cognitive/experimental) have investigated very long-term memory processes in adults. The overarching theme of this article is that the nonoverlapping clinical and experimental paradigms can profit from the findings of each other, suggesting a rapproachment is both warranted and overdue. This paper critically reviews empirical studies from both the clinical/reminiscence and experimental/cognitive areas, noting important limitations in both. Second, aspects of common ground are identified in an attempt to illustrate how knowledge of both paradigms can strengthen future research endeavors. A review of the empirical research on autobiographical memory in adults is presented and evidence concerning the reconstructive nature of autobiographical recall is also discussed as an example of where the clinical/reminiscence and cognitive/experimental data seem to converge. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Conducted a meta-analysis of 122 psychosocial and psychotherapeutic intervention studies of older adults (aged 55–76+ yrs), primarily with depression. Types of interventions included cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, reminiscence, relaxation, supportive treatments, control enhancing treatments, psychoeducational treatments, interventions to increase activity and cognitive ability training. Results show that cognitive-behavioral therapy had above-average effects on depression and other self-ratings of subjective well-being (SWB). Control-enhancing interventions had above-average effects on non-depression SWB. Individual interventions were more effective than group interventions, as were interventions with depressed vs non-depressed seniors. A combination of therapists' high general qualification and specialized training in working with older adults was associated with an above-average effect size. Effects of interventions on depression were weaker for older than younger Ss, but improvements in depression were also statistically significant in the oldest group (median age ≥ 77 yrs). There was no age-associated decline in intervention effects on other measures of SWB (life-satisfaction, morale). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
In this article, we qualitatively review the effects of psychological treatments for older adults. Group comparison studies indicate that all psychological treatments produce equivalent statistically significant effects. Studies using measures of individual change report more modest, although still valuable results, with again no differences between types of intervention. Self-report measures of change are more conservative than observer-rated measures. There are few data on the comparative cost-efficacy of different therapies, although psychological therapies in general have been shown to reduce subsequent use of medical services. Limited studies have indicated that psychological therapies may be less cost-effective than medication.
Research on the psychological outcomes of reminiscence techniques
has led to
equivocal findings. The goal of this paper is to advance current theory
guiding
research on reminiscence by examining the implications of viewing reminiscence
as a type of autobiographical memory. Butler's classic paper on
reminiscence as ‘life review’ (1963) is examined, and revisions
to this approach
are proposed based on research and theory concerning autobiographical
memory. Specifically, the process of reminiscence is delineated through
a
discussion of the partially reconstructive nature of autobiographical memory
and the relation of memory to the self. These developments are then used
to
predict the types of psychological outcomes that can be expected to result
from
reminiscence, and the types of reminiscence techniques that can be expected
to lead to the distinct outcomes of self-acceptance and self-change. Linking
the
literatures on reminiscence techniques and autobiographical memory also
provides a catalyst for future theoretical and empirical work.
This paper presents a discourse analysis of talk in reminiscence groups. Two main issues are addressed. First, we examine how speakers' identities are accomplished through the way they position themselves in social relationships and social practices of ‘remembered pasts’. Particular analytical attention is given to how people claim entitlements to the significance and consequences of their lived experience. Second, issues of membership are examined through the way people index their engagement in the narrative environment accomplished in reminiscence group talk. Finally, we are concerned with how these narratives contribute to a ‘reconstitution’ of understandings in common about cultural and moral orders of remembered pasts and the historical era in which the reported events, experiences and practices took place. Our analysis aims to demonstrate how reminiscence work affords a context for ‘re-membering’ where older people on their own behalf can work entitlements to voice the consequences of their experiences of life.
This review analyzes a total of 19 empirical studies dealing with the effectiveness of group work intervention with depressed older clients (65 years and older). Multiple analyses of all outcome data reported allowed for the following summative, empirically derived inferences: (1) overall, group work was found to account for 42% positive change in client affective states; however, most of this improvement (87%) appears to be attributable to nonspecific interventive variables, i.e., factors outside the control and intent of the group worker; (2) group work is optimally effective for clients who live alone and are moderately to severely depressed; (3) client age is no factor in group work effectiveness; and (4) the most effective format is constituted by small client groups and interventions of short duration.
Abstract Reminiscence therapy is an independent nursing intervention that may be helpful in maintaining or improving self-esteem and life satisfaction for the elderly, but the effects of reminiscence therapy are difficult to measure. For a greater understanding of reminiscence as a nursing therapeutic, this article reviewed the developmental history and theoretical basis of reminiscence and evaluated the empirical evidence concerning the use and effectiveness of reminiscence in the elderly. A lack of consist research findings resulted from selecting different therapeutic goals, different types of reminiscence, different dependent measures, different data collection tools, different sample populations, and small sample size. Future nursing research should redefine the concept and attempt to standardize the measurement of reminiscence and then forge ahead using rigorous research designs to develop a body of knowledge regarding reminiscence.
People living with AIDS (PLWA) are confronted with uncertainty and their own mortality at an earlier than expected age. Life
review, an intervention that has the potential to increase life satisfaction in the elderly experiencing transition points
in their lives, may have a similar effect when used with PLWA. Therefore, the purpose of this feasibility study was to explore
the use of life review in a sample of 20 PLWA through a randomized controlled trial of its effectiveness in decreasing depressive
symptoms and in increasing self esteem, quality of life, and purpose in life. Compared to the control group, the treatment
group had an improved overall quality of life and self-esteem over 12 months, less depressive symptoms over 12 months, and
a greater purpose in life at 3 months. The effects that were seen were mainly small to medium effects. The findings from this
feasibility study suggest the potential value of life review to enhance quality of life, purpose in life, and self-esteem,
and to decrease depressive symptoms in PLWA. Further research is needed with a larger sample and with other groups such as
PLWA experiencing virologic failure.
This study represents the first empirical test of Friedman and Ulmer's (1984. Treating Type A behavior and your heart. New York: Fawcett) clinical observation that deficits in the capacity to reminisce about pleasant past events are among the most pervasive and dysfunctional correlates of Type A behavior. Type A (N = 79) and B (N = 109) college undergraduates completed a questionnaire assessing the frequency, content, style, and consequences of their reminiscence about positive past experiences. Findings supported two hypotheses: relative to Type Bs, Type As were less likely to report that they consciously look back on positive events after these events are over in order to store details for later recall, and were more likely to report that they typically reminisce about past achievements. Contradicting Friedman and Ulmer's observations, however, there were no significant differences in the reported frequency, style, or consequences of recalling positive memories. The findings are discussed in terms of components of Type A behavior, such as competitive achievement-striving and self-esteem enhancement, that may make Type As (a) less likely to store, but not to recall, positive memories and (b) particularly likely to reminisce about personal accomplishments. Plausible reasons for the relative lack of support for Friedman and Ulmer's hypotheses are discussed in the context of directions for future research.
This article examines the terms of the debate over the ‘therapeutic’ status of reminiscence work with the elderly. We argue that the declared need for empirical evidence in terms of ‘psychological’ consequences for participants can in large part be understood as deriving from an argument concerning the designation of reminiscence work as a ‘therapy’. We aim to illustrate some shortcomings of conventions in evaluative research that focus on operationalized psychological variables. We argue that such approaches do not take into direct analytical account the relevance of ‘anecdotal’ claims for the ‘benefits’ of reminiscence work and their implications for the societal location of the older people within networks of care practices. Our approach is informed by recent developments in discourse analysis that focus on representational variability in accounts as an important analytical resource.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a reminiscence group to increase ego integrity in elderly nursing home residents. Erickson's developmental theory and Butler's theory of reminiscence provided the theoretical framework for the study. It was hypothesized that reminiscing would increase life satisfaction, self-esteem, and decrease depression. Fifty-four nursing home residents were randomly assigned to a reminiscence group or a control group. No statistically significant relationship was found between reminiscing and life satisfaction, depression, or self-esteem; however, results indicated there was a positive socializing effect for those who participated in the group process.
The content of reminiscences of 21 cognitively intact elderly women registered in an adult daycare program was examined. Content analysis of transcripts from a semistructured interview was used to discover categories of reminiscence meaning. The interpretations made about past experiences were grouped under two categories: (a) validating reminiscences that involved confirming or verifying that one had lived a fruitful life; and (b) lamenting reminiscences that involved negative interpretations of past events. Validating themes were: positive self-appraisals, choices, social connections, joys, and past to present comparisons. Lamenting themes were: regrets, difficulties, and lacking choice.
This integrated review presents the state of the art in reminiscing and life review as derived from a review of the literature from 1960-1990. Reports, reviews, and research are categorized and critiqued with the purpose of clarifying the use of reminiscing for practice. Out of ninety-seven published articles describing reminiscing, only seven report negative outcomes; the remainder are either positive or nonevaluative. As a result, the author concludes that clinicians should use reminiscing in their practice, and researchers should continue to define the variables that lead to successful reminiscing.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between dimensions of reminiscence and ego integrity in elderly nursing-home residents. Although frequency of reminiscence was not significantly correlated with ego integrity, using reminiscence for the purpose of life review was positively correlated with high ego-integrity scores in this sample of elderly individuals. This significant, positive relationship supports Butler's life-review theory and provides a link between the life review type of reminiscence and the resolution of Erikson's eighth and final developmental stage--a yardstick of successful aging.
This research synthesis was undertaken to study the effects of treatment on the mental health of elderly people. Forty-one controlled studies were analyzed using meta-analytic techniques. Type of treatment along with subject, therapist, setting, and methodological characteristics of the studies were identified and their contributions to mental health outcomes measured. Results indicated that the mean outcome of the experimental group, treated with any type of treatment improved from the fiftieth percentile to the seventieth percentile relative to the mean of the untreated control groups. This research synthesis supports the belief that, in general, treatment is effective in enhancing the mental health of the elderly.
A previous study by the author supported the recently popular idea that live pet-visits increase desirable behaviors in nursing home residents such as smiling and alertness, but it also suggested that people-visits may be even more effective. The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare the effects of different visiting programs (people-alone, people-plus-pets, pets-alone and no visit) on the behaviors of nursing home residents (proximity, talking, smiling, ambulation, alertness).
All three visiting programs of people-alone, people-plus-pets, and pets-alone increased the behaviors of smiling and alertness in comparison to control conditions in the nursing home lounge. Close proximity to the person-alone visitor was, however, associated with the greatest number of positive resident behaviors. Future research is suggested to examine the characteristics that make effective pet and person visitors for nursing home residents.
Twenty-seven demented elderly nursing home residents were given either reminiscence group therapy or supportive group therapy or were assigned to a no-treatment control group. The self-reported level of depression in participants given reminiscence therapy was positively affected compared to participants in the supportive therapy and control groups, but no significant effects were found for cognitive or behavioral functioning. Results are discussed in terms of the issue of the applicability of reminiscence therapy for cognitively impaired persons, the appropriateness of the measures used in this study to assess depression, cognitive ability and behavioral functioning, and in conjunction with clinical observations made during the process of therapy.
The results of experimental studies of reminiscing are not as uniformly optimistic about its therapeutic value as is the theoretical literature. Moreover, anecdotal evidence regarding the impact of reminiscence interventions is more positive than the statistical evidence. This study suggests reasons for these previous findings, and examines data from a discussion group intervention in thirty nursing homes, in which 185 residents completed pre- and posttests. It analyzes the characteristics of participants in relation to modifications in selected attitudes and behaviors over the intervention period. Analysis of variance and discriminant analysis revealed no significant relationships between attitudinal or behavioral modifications and demographic or other characteristics, with one exception. Value-choices made by participants were related to such modifications. The findings are interpreted in terms of the "mental adaptability" of participants and the compensatory nature of reminiscence in an institutional setting.
Erikson's theory predicts that reminiscing is an important part of satisfactory adjustment in old age. A questionnaire on reminiscing was administered to elderly institutionalized veterans, along with scales to assess the dimensions of ego adjustment. Those men who reminisced most frequently achieved higher scores on the measure of ego integrity. The relationship between negative affect of reminiscing and ego integrity which was found to exist suggested that reminiscence in this sample was in the form of the life review.
Introduction "Generally speaking we call a man well adapted if his productivity, his ability to enjoy life, and his mental equilibrium are undisturbed." 1 This definition of successful adaptation by Hartmann introduces his discussion of ego-regulated activities which counteract disturbances in homeostasis and actively improve a person's relationship to his environment. Formulations in ego psychology 2,3 provide a framework for considering adaptation in terms of specific phases of development with their accompanying conflicts requiring resolution and have emphasized the human ego's great capacity for transformation in adapting to life stress. We find it useful to view senescence in this context and to define successful adaptation to old age as the result of having coped successfully with problems specific to this phase of life, namely the maintenance of self-esteem in the face of declining physical and intellectual capacities; coping with grief and depression resulting from personal losses; finding means to contribute
A methodological study is reported into measuring reminiscing characteristics (including life reviewing) from spontaneous conversation in elderly people living in sheltered housing in London. The reliability and stability of these measures were well demonstrated. Further statistical analyses were carried out to test the hypotheses e.g., that reminiscing is an adaptive feature of old age in the presence of severe life change, life reviewing in the presence of low past life satisfaction. No significant evidence was found for the role of simple reminiscence itself, but 'life reviewing' appeared as an adaptive response when accompanied by dissatisfaction with past life. The relevance of these results to Butler's theory of the life review (1963) and to future studies on the concept is discussed, and also the possibility of using similar forms of content analyses of spontaneous conversation.
In this study, self-esteem refers to feelings of satisfaction a person has about himself which reflect the relationship between his self-image and his ideal self-image. Different measures of self-esteem, related to this definition, were studied in a sample of 44 late adolescent Ss. Test measures and interview assessment of self-esteem met certain criteria of validity as outlined by Campbell and Fiske. Clinical configurations of self-esteem, including defensive aspects, are described and related to the test measures. (35 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
This literature review discusses therapy with the aged person in the community. The discussion is based on the literature published since Rechtschaffen's review in 1959 [1]. The elderly are not receiving mental health services in proportion to their representation in the population or in proportion to their estimated need for such services. Major barriers to the utilization of such services by the aged are the prejudices of care providers, the poverty of the aged, and the lack of public commitment to the provision of services to this special population. A summary of the literature on the goals, content, and techniques of psychotherapy with the elderly client is presented and supports the conclusion that this therapy is different from similar work with the younger adult only in terms of a focus on different content areas. The potential contribution of behavior therapy to treatment programs for the elderly is discussed.
A remediation program for learning and psychosocially disabled pupils utilizing senior citizens as paraprofessional aides was evaluated. The senior citizens were effective in developing tutorial relationships conducive for the students' academic and psychosocial development, as indicated by pre- and posttesting. The disabled pupils improved their academic skills, as measured by standardized achievement and intelligence tests and by school grades. Statistical comparison with a control group further demonstrated the significance of the gains. The pupils' psychosocial adjustment also showed significant improvement on various personality assessment measures and behavior ratings by teachers and parents. Finally, self-reports by the senior citizen aides suggest that they also profited by their involvement in STEP.
The universal occurrence of an inner experience or mental process of reviewing one’s life in older people is postulated. It is proposed that this process helps account for the increased reminiscence of the aged, that it contributes to the occurrence of certain late-life disorders, particularly depression, and that it participates in the evolution of such characteristics as candor, serenity and wisdom among certain of the aged.
The fact that there is a need for assessing depression, whether as an affect, a symptom, or a disorder is obvious by the numerous scales and inventories available and in use today.