NDLI: The distribution and the functions of autobiographical memories: Why do older adults remember autobiographical memories from their youth?

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Wolf, Tabea Zimprich, Daniel
Copyright Year	2016
Abstract	In the present study, the distribution of autobiographical memories was examined from a functional perspective: we examined whether the extent to which long-term autobiographical memories were rated as having a self-, a directive, or a social function affects the location (mean age) and scale (standard deviation) of the memory distribution. Analyses were based on a total of 5598 autobiographical memories generated by 149 adults aged between 50 and 81 years in response to 51 cue-words. Participants provided their age at the time when the recalled events had happened and rated how frequently they recall these events for self-, directive, and social purposes. While more frequently using autobiographical memories for self-functions was associated with an earlier mean age, memories frequently shared with others showed a narrower distribution around a later mean age. The directive function, by contrast, did not affect the memory distribution. The results strengthen the assumption that experiences from an individual’s late adolescence serve to maintain a sense of self-continuity throughout the lifespan. Experiences that are frequently shared with others, in contrast, stem from a narrow age range located in young adulthood.
Starting Page	241
Ending Page	250
Page Count	10
File Format	PDF
ISSN	16139372
Journal	European Journal of Ageing
Volume Number	13
Issue Number	3
e-ISSN	16139380
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Netherlands
Publisher Date	2016-04-12
Publisher Place	Dordrecht
Access Restriction	Subscribed
Subject Keyword	Reminiscence bump Lifespan distribution Functions of autobiographical memory Older age Long-term autobiographical memories Aging Demography Geriatrics/Gerontology Public Health Psychology
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health (social science) Geriatrics and Gerontology

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