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Reminiscence and mental health: a review of recent progress in theory, research and interventions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2010

GERBEN J. WESTERHOF ,
ERNST BOHLMEIJER  and
JEFFREY DEAN WEBSTER
GERBEN J. WESTERHOF*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Communication of Health and Risk, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
ERNST BOHLMEIJER
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Communication of Health and Risk, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
JEFFREY DEAN WEBSTER
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Langara College, Vancouver, Canada.
*
Address for correspondence: Gerben J. Westerhof, Psychology and Communication of Health and Risk, University of Twente, POBox 217, 7500AEEnschede, The Netherlands. E-mail: g.j.westerhof@utwente.nl
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Abstract

This article explores recent progress in theory, research and practical applications of reminiscence. It first describes the evidence for reminiscence as a naturally occurring process, and discusses the different functions of reminiscence and their relationships with mental health and lifespan processes. Three basic types of reminiscence that relate to mental health are specified: conversations about autobiographical memories and the use of personal recollections to teach and inform others have social functions; positive functions for the self include the integration of memories into identity, recollections of past problem-solving behaviours, and the use of memories to prepare for one's own death; negative functions for the self are the use of past memories to reduce boredom, to revive bitterness, or to maintain intimacy with deceased persons. It is proposed that in interventions the three types are addressed differently: simple reminiscence stimulates social reminiscence and bonding and promotes positive feelings; life review uses the positive functions to enhance personal wellbeing; and life-review therapy seeks to reduce the negative uses and thereby alleviate symptoms of mental illness. Studies of the effectiveness of interventions have provided some evidence that interventions are effective in relation to their goals. The review closes with recommended directions for future reminiscence research.

Keywords

reminiscencelife reviewmental healthlifespan processespsychological interventions

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Type
Articles
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 30 , Issue 4 , May 2010 , pp. 697 - 721
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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