japanese journal of family psychology
Online ISSN : 2758-3805
Print ISSN : 0915-0625
Articles
The Effects of Previous Images of Parents and Previous Images of Oneself on Current Mental Health:
Their Association with Reminiscence of Life Events
Yoshitaka KonnoNobuyo Yoshikawa
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2014 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 1-13

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Abstract

  According to attachment theory, the early relationship between a child and his/her caregiver greatly affects the development of self-image. A secure attachment enhances the sense of security while an insecure attachment causes a negative self-image and negative feelings and perceptions, which are associated with depression. In addition, negative reminiscence functions, i.e. negative reminiscences of one’s past, are related to the perpetuation and aggravation of depression. This study used several instruments, i.e. the Feelings Experience Scale (FES), the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Reminiscence Functions Scale (RFS), to examine the relationship between previous images of parents and previous images of oneself and reminiscence functions and current mental health in 342 undergraduates. The FES rates feelings on 2 subscales, “Endearing” and “Painful.” The SDS features 2 subscales, “Depressive feelings” and “Feelings of inner contentment.” The RFS features 4 subscales, “Formation of interpersonal relationships,” “Reexperiencing painful events,” “Identification of positive past events,” and “Coping with problems.” Results of cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis suggested that previous positive images of parents were related to previous positive images of oneself, encouraging “Feelings of inner contentment” while inhibiting “Depressive feelings.” Previous positive images of oneself also encouraged “Feelings of inner contentment” via positive reminiscence of past events. In contrast, negative previous images of parents were related to negative previous images of oneself, aggravating “Depressive feelings.” Previous negative images of oneself also led to negative reminiscence in the form of “Re-experiencing painful events.” These findings were discussed in terms of attachment theory and previous images of oneself.

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© 2014 the japanese association of family psychology
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