The Reminiscence Functions Scale: A Replication

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a replication and validation study of the factor structure of the recently developed Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS) [1]. Three hundred and ninety-nine adult subjects ranging in age from seventeen to forty-five years ( M age = 22.7, SD = 5.7) completed the RFS. A principal components analysis indicated the viability of an eight-factor scale which strongly parallels the earlier scale construction. Factors were labeled: Boredom Reduction, Death Preparation, Identity, Problem-Solving, Conversation, Intimacy Maintenance, Bitterness Revival, and Teach/Inform. Internal consistency scores ranged from .74 to .86 and closely duplicated original scores. Age differences on Death Preparation and Teach/Inform were replicated. Potential uses of the RFS are documented.