Modification and psychometric testing of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychometrics
• Psychology

Background:

• Reminiscence is a key psychological process in older adults.
• Understanding the functions of reminiscence is crucial for psychological well-being.
• Existing scales may not fully capture the diverse functions of reminiscence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To psychometrically evaluate the Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale (MRFS).
• To validate the MRFS in a racially diverse sample of older adults.
• To confirm the reliability and validity of the MRFS as a measure of reminiscence functions.

Main Methods:

• Psychometric evaluation of the 39-item MRFS.
• Content validity, item analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation.
• Assessment of test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha).

Main Results:

• The MRFS demonstrated a robust seven-factor structure, accounting for 61% of the variance.
• Test-retest reliability was .82, and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was .94.
• The seven factors identified were: self-regard, death, bitterness, intimacy, teach-inform, boredom, and conversation.

Conclusions:

• The Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale (MRFS) is a reliable and valid self-report instrument.
• The scale effectively measures various functions of reminiscence in older adults.
• Further research and cross-validation are recommended for broader applicability.