Confirmation and examination of the tripartite model of reminiscence functions in a sample of patients hospitalized for schizophrenia in Jordan

Background

Patients with schizophrenia experience deterioration of memory recall and utilization of reminiscence functions. These functions have been measured using a tripartite model: self-positive, self-negative, and pro-social functions. Validating this model for those with schizophrenia is a key step in helping those patients who struggle most with autobiographical memory and its corresponding reduction in reminiscence.

Aims

This study aimed to confirm the validity of the tripartite model of reminiscence functions in a sample of patients hospitalized for schizophrenia, test the invariance of the 18-item tripartite Adjusted Arabic Reminiscence Functions Scale (AARFS-tri) across gender both at the overall scale and individual item levels, and examine levels and distributions of reminiscence functions.

Methods

This cross-sectional study targeted a total of 339 inpatient participants with schizophrenia who were recruited from the largest mental health center in Jordan using convenience sampling methods.

Results

The tripartite model was validated with post-hoc adjustment, achieving improved model fit. Strict measurement invariance held across gender (p = 0.256), with no items displaying statistically significant DIF. Individuals with schizophrenia reminisce most frequently on self-positive functions, as this distribution is much more skewed to the left than the other subscales.

Conclusions

The AARFS-tri is a validated and reliable metric for individuals with schizophrenia. This is a crucial step in helping patients with schizophrenia, as mental health nurses may now reliably use the AARFS-tri in clinical evaluation to identify and measure reminiscence functions and patterns, as well as to distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive reminiscence functions to enhance patients' mental health.