Abstract
To understand the adaptive value of reminiscence, a mediational model of reminiscence was tested in a sample of older adults
with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Using structural equation modeling, we investigated if psychological resources
(mastery and meaning in life) mediate the relation between reminiscence (positive: identity construction and problem solving;
and negative: bitterness revival and boredom reduction) and psychological distress (depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms).
A total of 202 older Dutch adults living in the community participated in this study. The present study consisted of baseline
measurements of a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of a life-review therapy intervention on depression.
Results showed that psychological resources fully mediated the relation between negative reminiscence and psychological distress.
Specifically, negative reminiscing is related to decreased psychological distress through meaning in life and sense of mastery.
The study contributes to current knowledge on the relation between reminiscence and mental health, both empirically and clinically.
It helps to increase understanding of how reminiscence is related to psychological distress, especially in depressed older
adults, and the relative importance of psychological resources, i.e., mastery and meaning in life. From a clinical perspective,
these findings suggest the usefulness of focusing on strengthening psychological resources in therapeutic reminiscence-based
strategies for older adults with depressive symptoms.
with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Using structural equation modeling, we investigated if psychological resources
(mastery and meaning in life) mediate the relation between reminiscence (positive: identity construction and problem solving;
and negative: bitterness revival and boredom reduction) and psychological distress (depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms).
A total of 202 older Dutch adults living in the community participated in this study. The present study consisted of baseline
measurements of a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of a life-review therapy intervention on depression.
Results showed that psychological resources fully mediated the relation between negative reminiscence and psychological distress.
Specifically, negative reminiscing is related to decreased psychological distress through meaning in life and sense of mastery.
The study contributes to current knowledge on the relation between reminiscence and mental health, both empirically and clinically.
It helps to increase understanding of how reminiscence is related to psychological distress, especially in depressed older
adults, and the relative importance of psychological resources, i.e., mastery and meaning in life. From a clinical perspective,
these findings suggest the usefulness of focusing on strengthening psychological resources in therapeutic reminiscence-based
strategies for older adults with depressive symptoms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Investigation
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10433-012-0239-3
- Authors
- Jojanneke Korte, Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, University of Twente, Citadel H-403, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Philippe Cappeliez, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ernst T. Bohlmeijer, Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, University of Twente, Citadel H-401, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Gerben J. Westerhof, Department of Psychology, Health & Technology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, University of Twente, Citadel H-417, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Journal European Journal of Ageing
- Online ISSN 1613-9380
- Print ISSN 1613-9372