Modification and Psychometric Testing of the Reminiscence Functions Scale

Abstract

This article describes the psychometric evaluation of the Modified Reminiscence Functions Scale (MRFS). The 39-item MRFS was validated on a sample of 271 racially diverse older adults. Psychometric analysis included content validity, item analysis, principal component analysis with varimax rotation, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. The model’s structure supports a seven-factor, 39-item scale. Test–retest and Cronbach’s alpha for the instrument were .82 and .94, respectively. The seven-factor scale: self-regard, death, bitterness, intimacy, teach–inform, boredom, and conversation accounted for 61% of variance. Evidence indicates the self-report Likert instrument is a reliable and valid measure of reminiscence functions. Cross-validation with other populations and further research is needed to identify other reminiscence dimensions–functions.