For the purpose of analyzing the content of reminiscence, 31 institutionalized elderly were encouraged to reminisce for 5 consecutive weeks for about 30 minutes each time. An additonal analysis was done on the effect of reminiscence to determine the depression and self-esteem of the subjects.
The study was conducted from December 29, 1988 to January 14, 1989. Instruments used were the Elderly Depression Scale developed by the researcher and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.
The individual interviews for reminiscence were conducted by the researcher and two research assistants.
The results of the study focused on the common topics, dominant affect, persons involved, and the stages of life. Also nine functions of reminiscence were identified
Two hypotheses were tested to determine the effect of reminiscence.
The first hypothesis that "the degree of depression will be decreased after reminiscence" was supported (t=3.12. df=30, p=0.004). The second hypothesis that "the degree of self-esteem will be increased after reminiscence"was not supported(t=1.47, df=30, p=152).
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