Why do Older Blacks Reminisce? An Examination of Reminiscence Functions in a Sample of Older Black Adults We need to place our names, credentials here What is Reminiscence? What are the Functions of Reminiscence in a Sample of Older Blacks? Implications for Intervention Development METHODS Peer-led Reminiscence Intervention for Minority Elders (PRIME) The long-term goal of the PRIME program of research is to reduce depressive symptoms and prevent major depression in community-dwelling older Black adults. PRIME builds upon our reminiscence pilot work, but adds a CBPR approach and innovation of using Peer Reminiscence Facilitators (PRF’s) to deliver the intervention. Data from this study will be used to: culturally tailor PRIME to meet the mental needs of the community. develop a PRIME Resource Manual will be used to train peers to facilitate reminiscence. Knowing patterns of reminiscence among the target population is key in developing questions that facilitate reminiscence to decrease depressive symptoms/prevent major depression. Findings will assist preparing PRF’s for situations that could be problematic such as bitterness revival or death preparation. Submit R01 to test the effectiveness of PRIME on depressive symptoms, loneliness and blood pressure. Conduct confirmatory factor analysis to examine underlying factor structure Examine the relationship between reminiscence functions, life satisfaction, and general health in a sample of older Black adults. . PRELIMINARY FINDINGS (N= ) Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale Item Response Examples 1 never 5 very often When I Reminisce it is to: bring back bitter memories M=2.1, SD=1.1 When compared with Caucasian older adults this sample: I will help here once we look at item means and standard deviations. I have quotes from qualitative study to help here Reminiscence Functions Future Directions ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2010 UMass Seed Funding Program to Advance Research and Scholarship Photography by James Schuck The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University, College of Nursing.