دانلود رایگان ترجمه مقاله عملکرد یادآوری و سلامت روان در زندگی بعدی (نشریه تیلور و فرانسیس 2004)

عملکرد یادآوری و سلامت روان در زندگی بعدی

Functions of reminiscence and mental health in later life

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which various forms of reminiscence predict life satisfaction and psychiatric distress with and without control for the contribution of personality traits (n ¼ 420). Among older adults, reminiscences to revive old problems and to fill a void of stimulation were associated with lower life satisfaction and greater psychiatric distress. Reminiscence to maintain connection with a departed person also predicted psychiatric distress. In contrast, reminiscences for death preparation and to foster conversation were linked with higher life satisfaction. Based on our proposed model of the functions of reminiscence, discussion focuses on adaptive and non-adaptive uses of reminiscence in later life.

1 Introduction

Reminiscing is the process of thinking or telling others about one’s past experiences. As Bluck and Alea (2002) noted, there is basic agreement among theorists on a view of autobiographical recall as serving three main functions. Autobiographical memory can be conceived as having self (selfcontinuity), directive (planning), and communicative (social bonding) functions (Cohen, 1998; Pillemer, 1992). Bluck and Alea (2002) further underscore that the most comprehensive taxonomies of reminiscence (Wong & Watt, 1991; Webster, 1997) map well onto these three main categories. Integrative reminiscence (Wong & Watt) and reminiscence for identity and for death preparation (Webster) correspond to the self-function. These types of reminiscence pertain to issues of life’s meaning, coherence and continuity. Instrumental reminiscence (Wong & Watt) and reminiscence for problem solving (Webster) serve a directive function. This mode of reminiscence refers to drawing on past experience to solve present problems and to cope. Transmissive and narrative reminiscences (Wong & Watt) are viewed as serving a social function. The former is intended to communicate an instructive story, while the latter is a simple narrative account. They correspond to Webster’s teach/inform and conversation factors, respectively. Bluck and Alea (2002) view Webster’s intimacy maintenance factor as serving a social function. Intimacy maintenance refers to reminiscing in order to maintain accessible memories of departed significant others.

A comprehensive model of the functions of reminiscence

The following framework (Figure 1) synthesizes our understanding of reminiscence functions based on evolving theory and empirical research to date. This model helps to describe the links between reminiscence functions, dimensions of psychological functioning, and specific outcomes. For clarity and consistency, we will use Wong and Watt’s terminology, with the addition of death preparation and intimacy maintenance, two dimensions specific to Webster’s model.

In line with current theorizing (Bluck, 2003; Webster, 2003) the model includes three main categories. First, reminiscence has self-functions. Reminiscences in this group are also characteristically intra-personal or private. On the positive side, we have reminiscences fostering the coherence, meaningfulness and continuity of the self. Integrative reminiscence and reminiscence for death preparation are both positive facets of the self-function. They denote efforts to derive a sense of meaning and purpose in life. These two types of reminiscence entail the recall, evaluation, and synthesis of positive and negative memories and, as such, they correspond to the notion of life review (Webster & Haight, 1995). The negative corollary of these self-functions is obsessive and escapist reminiscences. Obsessive reminiscence is believed to be a manifestation of continuing inner struggles with a negative past from which one is unwilling or unable to disengage. Escapist reminiscence entails seeking solace in the past from an unsatisfying present and uncertain future. As such, it can be viewed as a defensive tactic. These last two functions indicate discontinuity in the self and fragmentation of one’s life story.