Why do Older Blacks Reminisce? An Examination of Reminiscence Functions in a Sample of Older Black Adults Juliette M Shellman, Ph.D., APHN-BC, Mukumbi Brown, BS, RN & Deborah Stone, MSN, RN, Department of Nursing Karen Bailey-Addison, LCSW Northend Senior Center, Hartford CT The act of recalling the past including persons, places, events and feelings associated with the experience. May occur silently, but it is enhanced in the presence of a supportive listener who facilitates the process through questions and validations. Types of reminiscence range from simple to integrative which is more reflective and analytical. Integrative Reminiscence has been shown to decrease depressive symptoms in older adults (Bohlmeijer et al., 2007; 2009; Shellman et al., 2009). Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale (MRFS) (Washington, 2009). Modified version of original Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) (Webster, 1993;1997;2010). RFS tested mostly with Canadian populations via the internet limiting generalizability. MRFS modified using focus groups and tested on a ethnically diverse sample (N=271) Cronbach’s alpha.82 &.94 (Washington, 2009). Boredom ReductionConversation Death preparationIntimacy Maintenance Bitterness Revival Self-regard Teach/inform Association between reminiscence functions and mental health and well-being in Canadian and White populations (Cappeliez & O’Rourke, 2006). Lack of reminiscence research among different ethnic groups a significant limitation in reminiscence literature (Westerhof, Bohlmeijer, & Webster, 2010). Ethnicity viewed as a moderator variable that may influence the occurrence, process, and outcomes of reminiscence. Knowing differences in why older Black adults reminisce determines how reminiscence is facilitated to improve mental health and well-being. METHODS Implications for Intervention Development What are the Functions of Reminiscence in a Sample of Older Blacks? Design: Descriptive Setting: Senior centers, churches in Northeast urban cities Sample: English speaking Blacks >55 years of age. Methodology: Survey Administration PRELIMINARY FINDINGS (N=254) 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 prepare for death M=2.3, SD=.98 keep old hurts alive M=2.4, SD=1.2 understand myself better M=4.6, SD=.54 teach young people about cultural values M=3.6, SD=.76 teach younger people about what life was like when I was younger M=3.9, SD=.70 pass on family history M=3.7, SD=1.0 When compared with Caucasian older adults this sample: REMINISCENCES MORE FREQUENTLY To teach/inform the next generation and for self identity. REMINISCES LESS FREQUENTLY For death preparation, bitterness revival, intimacy maintenance. Findings support contextual data obtained through focus groups in which differences in patterns and functions of reminiscence were shown to exist between ethnic groups. (Shellman, Ennis, & Bailey-Addison, 2011). “ We don’t think about hard times from the past, we just move on.” “ It’s so good that we are our age and we know what good values are because our grandchildren don’t know what we know. We steadily say to them, you’ve got to do better. But they want to know why. See, we already know why and we pass it on to them.” Reminiscence Functions What is Reminiscence? Photography by James Schuck The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University, College of Nursing. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 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 to develop questions that will 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 of MFRS. Examine the relationship between reminiscence functions, life satisfaction, and general health in a sample of older Black adults UMass Seed Funding Program to Advance Research and Scholarship Future Directions