Reminiscentia: cherished objects as memorabilia in late-life reminiscence

This survey was designed to study cherished objects and other memorabilia as "reminiscentia," (i.e., as inducers of reminiscence). One hundred persons were surveyed by questionnaire and interview to determine the kinds of memorabilia and cherished objects they would identify and how these were related to reminiscence and current mood as measured by the Affect-Balance Scale. Most of the identified cherished objects were cherished for reasons other than their value as reminiscentia, but when they were cherished primarily for this reason, they seemed to serve as reconstructive symbols in the lives of those older persons. A significant positive relationship was found between memorabilia and mood, and the total lack of a cherished object was associated with significantly lower mood scores. Some significant associations were also found among objects, reminiscence, and mood variables by age and gender.