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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Reminiscence, personality, and psychological functioning in older adults
J A Cully1, D LaVoie, J D Gfeller
1Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, MO 63103, USA. cullyja@slu.edu
The Gerontologist
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Older adults with depression and anxiety frequently use reminiscence to cope with negative memories and prepare for death. This suggests reminiscence therapy may benefit these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Limited research exists on psychological factors correlating with reminiscence, particularly concerning clinical constructs like depression and anxiety.
- Understanding reminiscence functions is crucial for advancing reminiscence therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between the frequency and functions of reminiscence, personality styles, and psychological functioning in older adults.
- To explore the relationship between reminiscence and psychological well-being, including depression and anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-seven healthy older adults participated in the study.
- Participants completed self-report scales measuring reminiscence functions, personality traits (NEO Five Factor Inventory), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and death anxiety (Templer-McMordie Death Anxiety Scale).
Main Results:
- Canonical correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between psychological functioning and reminiscence patterns.
- Individuals with negative psychological functioning were found to reminisce more frequently, utilizing it to process negative memories, alleviate boredom, and contemplate mortality.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that older adults experiencing depression and anxiety commonly engage in reminiscence.
- Contrary to some prior research, this indicates that individuals with these psychological conditions may be suitable candidates for reminiscence-based interventions.
- The study offers valuable insights for both researchers and clinicians regarding the role of reminiscence in psychological health among older adults.
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