Reminiscentia: Cherished Objects as Memorabilia in Late-Life Reminiscence

Abstract

This survey was designed to study cherished objects and other memorabilia as "reminiscentia," (i.e., as inducers of reminiscence). One hundred persons were surveyed by questionnaire and interview to determine the kinds of memorabilia and cherished objects they would identify and how these were related to reminiscence and current mood as measured by the Affect-Balance Scale. Most of the identified cherished objects were cherished for reasons other than their value as reminiscentia, but when they were cherished primarily for this reason, they seemed to serve as reconstructive symbols in the lives of those older persons. A significant positive relationship was found between memorabilia and mood, and the total lack of a cherished object was associated with significantly lower mood scores. Some significant associations were also found among objects, reminiscence, and mood variables by age and gender.

Machines and Mindlessness: Social Responses to Computers

“…Because these behaviors extended over many minutes and relied on intentional responses on the part of the user (as distinct from physiological or other automatic responses, such as shouting at the computer), we believe that the participants were sincere in their protestations. This is not to say that individuals of all ages cannot or do not develop very strong relationships with computers and other objects (e.g., Martin, 1997;Schaffer, 1991;Sherman, 1991;Turkle, 1984). One can observe many individuals who cherish a computer or other object because they have become emotionally attached to it, who give computers (and other technologies, most notably automobiles) a name, and who carry on running dialogues with machines that cannot listen.…”

“…If the adults who exhibit the previous behaviors were asked whether the object they were orienting to actually had human traits and characteristics, the evidence suggests that adults (the case of children is much more complex; see Turkle, 1984) would say "no." Indeed, social and emotional behavior directed toward cherished objects seems to be related to the evocation of memories and emotion management, rather than a direct response to the object itself (Sherman, 1991;Wapner & Redondo, 1990). In the same way, people can cry while reading a book; the tears are not directed to the book as medium.…”

Psychological adaptation to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995: 16 years later victims still report lower levels of subjective well-being

“…Many victims who lost their houses lost many of their personal possessions, some of which were undoubtedly precious and of priceless personal value. Research shows that memorabilia provide a positive mood boost among older adults (Sherman, 1991) as well as college students (Bryant, Smart, & King, 2005). The permanent loss of personal memorabilia might be one cause of a prolonged sense of loss and negative affect.…”

Older People and Attachment to Things, Places, Pets, and Ideas

“…Other studies have identified similar objects or classes of objects as "cherished," "favorite," or "special." Photographs have been reported as important objects of attachment for older people (Kampner, 1989;Sherman, 1991;Sherman & Newman, 1977-78;Wapner, Demick, & Redondo, 1990), as have jewelry (Kampner, Sherman & Newman) and religious items (Kampner, 1989;Sherman, 1991;Sherman & Newman, 1977-78).…”