title: Content analysis of reminiscences of elderly women.
abstract: The content of reminiscences of 21 cognitively intact elderly women registered in an adult daycare program was examined. Content analysis of transcripts from a semistructured interview was used to discover categories of reminiscence meaning. The interpretations made about past experiences were grouped under two categories: (a) validating reminiscences that involved confirming or verifying that one had lived a fruitful life; and (b) lamenting reminiscences that involved negative interpretations of past events. Validating themes were: positive self-appraisals, choices, social connections, joys, and past to present comparisons. Lamenting themes were: regrets, difficulties, and lacking choice.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Kovach
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008568:Memory; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support