title: Empirical validation of a model of reminiscence and health in later life.
abstract: This study addresses the adaptive value of functions of reminiscence with respect to physical and mental health in later life. A model examining the relationships between the functions of reminiscence and life satisfaction, psychiatric distress, and health is presented and tested. Self-positive (reminiscence for Identity, Death Preparation, and Problem Solving) and self-negative (reminiscence for Boredom Reduction, Bitterness Revival, and Intimacy Maintenance) functions have statistically significant and direct associations with the well-being of this sample of older adults, the first positively and the second negatively. Prosocial functions (reminiscence for Conversation, and to Teach-Inform Others) appear to have no direct link with health. Self-functions appear to have an important and lasting influence on physical and mental health, whereas prosocial functions may affect health by means of their role in emotional regulation.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 11 Marie Curie Street, Ottawa, Canada K1N 6N5. Philippe.Cappeliez@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cappeliez
authors.forename: Norm
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011340:Problem Solving; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires