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.
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CampbellD. E., Microenvironments of the Elderly, in The Dynamics of Aging, BerghornF. J.SchaferD. E.. (eds.), Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1981.
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CantorM., Neighbors and Friends: An Overlooked Resource in the Informal Support System, Research on Aging, 1, pp. 434–463, 1979.
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CantrilH., The Pattern of Human Concerns, Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1965.
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ClarkM., Cultural Values and Dependence in Later Life, in Aging and Modernization, CowgillD. and HolmesL. (eds.), Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1972.
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ColemanP., Measuring Reminiscence Characteristics from Conversation as Adaptive Features of Old Age, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 5, pp. 281–294, 1974.
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EtzioniA., The Active Society, The Free Press, New York, 1975.
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FryP. S., Structured and Unstructured Reminiscence Training and Depression Among the Elderly, Clinical Gerontologist, 1, pp. 15–37, 1983.
47.
GeorgeL., A Canonical Correlation Technique for Analyzing Patterns of Change, Experimental Aging Research, 8, pp. 67–72, 1982.
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GeorgemillerR., and MaloneyH. N., Group Life Review and Denial of Death, Clinical Gerontologist, 2, pp. 37–49, 1984.
49.
HarveyO. J.HuntD. E., and SchroderH. M., Conceptual Systems and Personality Organization, Wiley and Sons, New York, 1961.
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HarveyO. J., System Structure, Flexibility, and Creativity, in Experience, Structure, and Adaptability, HarveyO. J. (ed.), Springer Publishing, New York, 1966.
51.
HavighurstR. and GlasserR., An Exploratory Study of Reminiscence, Journal of Gerontology, 27, pp. 245–253, 1972.
52.
HessB. and WaringJ. M., Changing Patterns of Aging and Family Bonds in Later Life, Family Coordinator, 27, pp. 303–314, 1978.
53.
HughstonG. A. and MerriamS. B., Reminiscence: A Nonformal Technique for Improving Cognitive Functioning in the Aged, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 15, pp. 139–149, 1982.
54.
JohnsonS. L.SandelS. L., and MargolisM. B., Principles of Group Treatment in a Nursing Home, The Journal of Long-Term Care Administration, pp. 19–24, Winter 1982.
55.
KaminskyM., Pictures from the Past: The Use of Reminiscence in Casework with the Elderly, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 1, pp. 19–31, 1978.
56.
KiernatJ. M., The Use of Life Review Activity with Confused Nursing Home Residents, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 33, pp. 306–310, 1979.
57.
LiebermanM. A. and FalkJ. M., The Remembered Past as a Source of Data for Research on the Life Cycle, Human Development, 14, pp. 132–141, 1971.
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LoGerfoM., Three Ways of Reminiscence in Theory and Practice, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 12, pp. 39–48, 1980–81.
59.
McCarthyH., Time Perspective and Aged Persons' Attributes of Their Life Experiences, The Gerontologist, 17, pp. 5, 97, 1977.
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McMahonA. and RhudickP., Reminiscing: Adaptational Significance in the Aged, Archives of General Psychiatry, 10, pp. 292–298, 1964.
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National Council on the Aging, Inc. (with the National Endowment for the Humanities), Senior Center Humanities Program: Self-Discovery Through the Humanities, Washington, DC, Twelve anthology series, 1977–82.
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NeugartenB.HavighurstR., and TobinS., The Measurement of Life Satisfaction, Journal of Gerontology, 16, pp. 134–143, 1961.
63.
PeckR., Psychological Developments in the Second Half of Life, in Middle Age and Aging, NeugartenB. (ed.), University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1968.
64.
PerrottaP. and MeachamJ. A., Can A Reminiscing Intervention Alter Depression and Self-Esteem?International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 14, pp. 23–30, 1981–82.
65.
PetersG., Studying Values and Aging in Rural-Urban Contexts, paper delivered at the 34th meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Toronto, November 1981.
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RokeachM., Beliefs, Attitudes, and Values, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1972.
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RomaniukM., The Application of Reminiscence to the Clinical Interview, Clinical Gerontologist, 1, pp. 39–43, 1983.
