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Why recall our highs and lows: relations between memory functions, age, and well-being
Kate C McLean1, Jennifer Pals Lilgendahl
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Kate.McLean@wwu.edu
Memory (Hove, England)
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Positive and negative life memories serve different functions in reminiscence across age groups. Redemptive narratives in negative memories particularly benefit younger adults' well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Lifespan Development
Background:
- Reminiscence serves various self and social functions throughout the lifespan.
- The emotional valence of memories (positive vs. negative) may influence their use in reminiscence.
- Age-related differences in memory recall and reminiscence functions are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether positive (high points) and negative (low points) life memories are used differently for self and social reminiscence functions.
- To examine the relationship between the use of these memory types for specific functions and psychological well-being in emerging and older adults.
- To explore the role of redemptive narrative structure in negative memories and its association with well-being.
Main Methods:
- Collected life story high and low points from emerging (n=56) and older (n=55) adults.
- Assessed the use of these memories for self-functions (death preparation, identity, problem-solving) and social functions (conversation, teach/inform).
- Measured psychological well-being and coded memories for redemptive narrative structure (negative to positive emotional progression).
Main Results:
- High points were more frequently used for identity, teach/inform, and conversation functions compared to low points.
- Significant interactions between memory type and age group were observed for reminiscence function endorsement.
- The association between reminiscence function use and well-being varied between younger and older adults, with redemptive sequencing being particularly beneficial for younger individuals.
Conclusions:
- Different types of emotional memories serve distinct purposes in reminiscence, varying by age.
- The utilization of specific reminiscence functions is linked to psychological well-being, with age-dependent patterns.
- Redemptive processing of negative memories plays a crucial role in the well-being of younger adults.
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