Reminiscence, personality, coping and mood state in institutionalised older adults: a cross-sectional study

Reminiscence functions in older adults have been associated with variables related to mental health such as depressive symptoms. Additionally, the way in which older adults cope with stress or their personality traits could influence their use of reminiscence. This study examined the relation between gender, coping styles, personality traits and reminiscence functions and how these variables predict depressive symptoms in institutionalised older adults.

The participants were 117 institutionalised older adults (range 62-98 years). They completed measures of reminiscence functions, depressive symptoms, coping styles and personality traits.

Neuroticism and avoidance coping styles were related to a maladaptive use of reminiscence functions. The results showed that institutionalised older adults with high neuroticism and who usually use emotional discharge and logical analysis as avoidance coping styles and bitterness revival as a reminiscence function may be more likely to present depressive symptoms.

The findings may help enhance the efficacy of interventions using reminiscence.