Effect of a Positive Reminiscing Intervention on Affect, Expectancy, and Performance

Abstract

The effects of a positive reminiscing intervention were examined in 60 females who ranged in age from 60 to 98 yr. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. The subjects in the first group received a positive reminiscing intervention and were then tested for changes in affect, expectancy, and performance. The subjects in the second group were encouraged to discuss pleasant present experiences and then given the same dependent measures. The control group subjects were given the dependent measures and then asked to talk about either past or present experiences. In this sample no significant differences among the groups were found on any measure, which indicates that reminiscing may not always be an effective intervention.