Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T04:45:42.307Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

To reminisce or not to reminisce

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Anne Jackson*
Affiliation:
St. Brigid's Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth

Abstract

Interest in the process of reminiscence has increased in recent years. This article reviews changing attitudes to reminiscence and the various theories as to its function. Some clinical applications are discussed, in particular its potential therapeutic value in dementia.

Type
Review Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Buhler, C. Der Menchliche Leberslauf als Psychologisches Problem (1933). 2nd ed (1959). Gottingen: Verlag fur Psychologie, 1959.Google Scholar
2.Dobrof, R. Introduction: a time for reclaiming the past, In: Dobrof, R. The uses of reminiscence: new ways of working with older adults. New York: The Hawthorn Press, 1984.Google Scholar
3.Butler, RN. The Life Review: an interpretation of reminiscence in the aged. Psychiatry 1963; 26: 6576.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4.McMahon, AW, Rhudick, PJ. Reminiscing: adaptational significance in the aged. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1964; 10: 292–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Lewis, CN. The adaptive value of reminiscing in old age. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 1973; 6: 117–21.Google Scholar
6.Lieberman, MA, Falk, JM. The remembered past as a source of data for research on the life cycle. Human Development 1971; 14: 132–41.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7.Pollock, GH. Reminiscence and insight. Psychoanalytic Study of the Child 1981; 36: 279–87.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8.Janis, IL. Psychological stress: psychoanalytical and behavioural studies of surgical patients. New York: Wiley, 1988.Google Scholar
9.Noyes, R. The experience of dying. Psychiatry 1972; 35: 174–84.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10.Merriam, S. The concept and function of reminiscence: a review of the research. The Gerontologist 1980; 20: 604–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
11.Coleman, PG. Ageing and reminiscence processes. Social and clinical implications. New York: J. Wiley, 1986: 40123.Google Scholar
12.Romaniuk, M, Romanuik, J. Looking back: an experimental analysis of reminiscence functions and triggers. Experimental Ageing Research 1981; 7(4): 447–89.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13.Bacher, E, Dasberg, H, Sharpira, B, Lerer, B. Reminiscing in depressed, aged patients: effects of ECT and antidepressants. Int J Geriatric Psychiatry 1990; 5: 251–6.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
14.Goldwasser, AN, Auerbach, SM, Harkins, SW. Cognitive, affective and behavioural effects of reminiscence group therapy on demented elderly. Int J Ageing Human Devel 1987; 25: 209–22.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
15.Kiernat, JM. The use of life review activity with confused nursing home residents. Am J Occupational Therapy 1979; 33: 306–10.Google ScholarPubMed
16.Baines, S, Saxby, P, Ehlert, K. Reality orientation and reminiscence therapy: a controlled cross over study of elderly confused people. Br J Psychiatry 1987; 151: 222–31.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
17.Wilkin, D, Evans, G, Hughes, B, Jolley, DJ. The implications of managing confused and disabled people in non-specialist residential homes for the elderly. Health Trends 1982; 14: 98100.Google ScholarPubMed
18.Holden, UP, Woods, RT. Reality Orientation: psychological approaches to the “confused” elderly. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1988: 61.Google Scholar