Six types of Reminiscence

Reminiscence in seniors is often looked upon as a simple side effect of ageing. After all, the longer you’ve lived, the more stories you have to look back on.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that psychologists began to study reminiscence, and found that it’s incredibly beneficial for ageing people, especially for those with dementia.

If you’re caring for an elderly loved one, or nursing seniors in general, knowing how to guide them in healthy reminiscence can bring a huge variety of benefits. 

What are the Different Types of Reminiscence?

 In total, there are six different types of reminiscence that human beings take part in. These were pioneered by psychologists Lisa Watt and Paul Wong, based on findings by Erik Erikson.

Escapist – a desire to return to times of happy memories. This type of reminiscence can lead seniors to become unhappy with their current situations.

Obsessive – a focus on mistakes, wrongdoings, or times of scorn. This type of reminiscence can bring on feelings of guilt, regret, and hopelessness.

Neutral – also known as narrative, seniors find their memories are simply a story that bares no positive or negative traits. 

Instrumental – a synthesis approach to memories, with a grounded understanding that life must contain both good and bad moments.

Transmissive – a search for meaning in memories, leading to a desire to share lessons and values.

Integrative – seniors find peace with who they have been, and what they have done.

Research also showed that those seniors who indulged in integrative and instrumental reminiscence aged more successfully (ie had a higher rating in mental and physical  health as well as being better adjusted to later life ageing.)

Additionally, it was shown that those seniors that lived in community settings also showed greater integrative and instrumental reminiscence than those who lived in care homes or similar institutionalised settings.

The benefits of reminiscence come, not by simply reliving old memories, but by adding current thoughts, feelings, and perspectives to them.