Reminiscing: The State of the Art as a Basis for Practice

Abstract

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.