| Learning Objective #1: Identify several reminiscence functions associated with older adults | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss differences between reminiscence functions associated with older adults |
Design and Methods: The comparative design used a convenient sample of 261 older adults with ethnicity as a stratifying variable. The Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale containing 7 subscales: self-regard, death preparation, bitterness revival, intimacy, teach/inform, boredom, conversation and 39-items, was used to determine for what purpose individuals reminisce (Washington, 2003). In addition to ethnicity, demographic data included: age, years of education, health status, and personality. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences in reminiscence functions among gender, ethnic, health status and personality subgroups and Scheffe post-hoc comparisons were performed to determine which pairs of scores were significantly different.
Results: Females and African Americans were slightly more represented (62.8% and 34.5 % respectively). Results indicated significant ethnic differences across subscales (F (3,257) = 9.49, p < 00.1). Scheffle post-hoc test indicated Caucasians were significantly different in their responses than African Americans and Hispanics (F(21,753)=3.101, p < .001. Hispanics were different than African Americans and Caucasians with “death preparation” and Bitterness revival” (F(1,558) = 5.32, p < .001 and (F( 1,368) = 5.56, p < .001 respectively. African Americans were significantly different from Caucasians and Hispanics (F(2,690) = 8.36, p < .000 on “teach/inform”. And, Caucasians were significantly different than African Americans and Hispanics for “boredom reduction” (F(1,893) = 6.56, p < .000. No significant gender, age, education, health status, or personality differences were found across subscales.
Conclusion: The results indicated an assessment be used to identify those persons who may or may not benefit from the use of reminiscence as a therapeutic intervention. Moreover, the study should be replicated in different regions of the country to validate similar findings.