The Effects of Reminiscing on the Perceived Control and Social Relations of Institutionalized Elderly

A growing body of literature on reminiscing among the elderly suggests it may have adaptive value and therapeutic benefit for oldcr adults. The present study represents an experimental assessment of thc impact of three forms of reminiscence interventions on adjustment measures among a sample of institutionalized eldcrly. Onc hundred eighty-five residents of a stratified random sample of 32 nursing homes in eastern Kansas participated in one of the study's three experimental or control conditions. Experimental conditions represented a mix of interactive and structured formats. Analysis of covariance indicates that the interventions constitute a relatively weak treatment when compared with control group means on dependent variables (social relations, memory, perceived control in life, and life satisfaction). However, the effects on the dependent variables differed according to the type of experimental condition. Reminiscence in discussion- group settings enhanced participants' sense of internal control and ...