Why they reminisce: Caregiver reports of the functions of joint reminiscence in early childhood

Abstract

Theorists have long suggested that joint caregiver–child reminiscence is functional, in that it is useful, adaptive, and can be utilised to achieve a variety of goals in everyday life. In the present study we investigated caregiver reports of the functions of joint reminiscence across early childhood. Participants were 203 parents or other guardians of 2–6-year-old children. Caregivers completed the Caregiver–child Reminiscence Scale (CRS) designed to tap functions of joint reminiscence. Our results indicated that caregivers reported frequently talking about past experiences with their children. Exploratory factor analysis revealed seven functions of joint reminiscence: Emotion Regulation, Directive, Positive Emotionality, Individual Self in Relation to Others, Conversation, Cognitive Skills, and Peer Relationships. Although some of these functions map directly onto adult-like functions outlined in the theoretical literature, others are unique to the context of joint reminiscence and reflect developmental goals of the early childhood period.

Keywords:

• Joint reminiscence
• Memory function
• Early childhood
• Autobiographical memory
• Parent behaviours

Notes

¹Analyses excluding non-biological parents and fathers yielded nearly identical results. For this reason we report results for the entire sample.

²There is also a large literature outlining differences in mothers’ reminiscing with daughters compared to sons (e.g., Adams, Kuebli, Boyle, & Fivush, 1995; Buckner & Fivush, 2000; Fivush, 1989, 1998). However, in the present study there were no significant gender differences in the functions of reminiscence reported by the parents of girls and boys.