When Harry Met Sally: Older Adult Spouses' First Encounter Reminiscing and Well-Being.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Interest in reminiscence activities for older adults has grown in recent years, but the benefits of co-reminiscence are not well-known. Drawing from a narrative identity framework, this study examined older adult spouses' co-reminiscence about their first encounters. We hypothesized that perceived closeness and support increase when spouses co-reminisce and that greater perceptions of closeness and support after reminiscing relate to lower depressive symptoms and greater marital satisfaction in daily life.

Research design and methods

One hundred and one couples completed questionnaires measuring marital satisfaction and depressive symptoms at home and then participated in a laboratory session in which they co-reminisced about their first encounters.

SUBMITTER: Mroz EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9710240 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature