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

Tabea Wolf () and Daniel Zimprich
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Tabea Wolf: Ulm University
Daniel Zimprich: Ulm University

European Journal of Ageing, 2016, vol. 13, issue 3, No 5, 250 pages

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Reminiscence bump; Lifespan distribution; Functions of autobiographical memory; Older age; Long-term autobiographical memories (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s10433-016-0372-5

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