Reminiscence and ego integrity in well older women

Abstract

A descriptive correlational design was utilized to explore the relationship between the uses of reminiscence - life review, problem solving and teaching/ entertaining - and ego integrity in well older women. This study was a replication of a study by Taft and Nehrke (1990). Data was collected from 68 community-based women ranging in age from 62 to 88. The subgroups were selected from the primary sample for the purpose of comparing age to specific variables. The subgroup of 62 to 69 numbered 20. The 70 to 79 subgroup numbered 29, and the 80 to 88-year-old subgroup numbered 19. Significant findings from this study showed a positive correlation between frequency of intrapersonal reminiscence and age (N = 68). A significant negative correlation was found between level of ego integrity and age in the 60-year-old subgroup. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between perception of health and level of ego integrity (N = 68). These findings were not supportive of Taft and Nehrke's (1990) study. Butler's (1963) theory of life review and Erikson's (1950) developmental theory of the final stage of ego integrity were not supported by these findings. Variation in findings may be due to low instrument reliability and differences between the samples in the two studies. The researcher maintains that reminiscence is a naturally occurring process and can be of benefit to the health care provider, the client and the family.