Reminiscence Lexicon: An Orientation to Memory Work

I have laughed more than daffodils and cried more than June - Sanober Khan

Reminiscence is the act of recalling personally meaningful memories from one’s past—either spontaneously (triggered by a smell, image, or thought) or intentionally (to entertain, teach, or reflect).

Primary Types of Reminiscence

• Narrative: Simple storytelling of past events; often light, descriptive, and linked to joy or curiosity.

• Integrative: Reflective memories that weave past experiences into meaning, coherence, or self-worth; associated with serenity and pride.

• Intimacy: Memories of loved ones who are absent or deceased; often bittersweet, evoking sadness, nostalgia, or continued bonds.

  Obsessive: Repetitive focus on unresolved struggles or regrets; linked to rumination and distress.

• Escapist: Idealizing the “good old days” as an escape from present difficulties; often tinged with longing or disappointment.

• Transmissive: Sharing memories to teach or pass on life lessons; legacy-building across generations.

• Instrumental: Recalling past coping strategies or problem-solving successes; inspires resilience and confidence.

• Death Preparation: Reflecting on mortality and life’s finitude; can foster acceptance and peace.

Emotional Functions

• Positive self-functions: Integrative, instrumental, and death preparation reminiscence—supporting growth, coherence, and serenity.

• Negative self-functions: Obsessive, escapist, and intimacy reminiscence—often tied to unresolved grief, regret, or longing.

• Pro-social functions: Narrative and transmissive reminiscence—strengthening social bonds and connection, even if not directly linked to health outcomes.

Emotional Regulation Patterns

• Narrative reminiscence: Amplifies joy, pride, curiosity.

• Integrative reminiscence: Evokes lasting emotions like serenity, strength, and meaning.

• Intimacy reminiscence: Often transforms positive emotions into sadness or nostalgia.

• Obsessive/Escapist reminiscence: Deepens distress, regret, or anxiety.

• Transmissive reminiscence: Mixed—can uplift through teaching but sometimes carries sadness.

• Instrumental reminiscence: Reinforces resilience and confidence.

• Death preparation reminiscence: Offers perspective, acceptance, and peace.

Why This Lexicon Matters

• Provides a map of memory—showing readers that not all reminiscence is the same.

• Helps elders and caregivers recognize when reminiscence is healing versus when it may signal rumination or unresolved grief.

• Offers a framework for narrative practice, guiding journaling, group storytelling, or therapeutic reflection.

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