Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
11:30
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Self-centered memories: the reminiscence bump and the self
Clare J Rathbone1, Chris J A Moulin, Martin A Conway
1Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, England. c.j.rathbone@leeds.ac.uk
Memory & Cognition
|November 19, 2008
Summary
The self and memory are linked, with new self-images linked to accessible memories from that time. This research explores the connection between identity and memory retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The self-memory relationship is bidirectional: memories shape self-perception, and the self influences memory retrieval.
- Autobiographical memory recall shows a 'reminiscence bump,' with most memories from ages 10-30, potentially supporting self-development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between memory accessibility and the self.
- To explore how self-images are linked to the accessibility of related autobiographical memories.
Main Methods:
- A novel methodology using 'I am' statements to generate self-images.
- Analyzing the temporal clustering of memories associated with specific self-images.
Main Results:
- Memories generated from 'I am' cues clustered around the emergence period of the associated self-image.
- This suggests that newly formed self-images are linked to the encoding of relevant, highly accessible memories.
Conclusions:
- The formation of self-images is associated with the encoding of specific memories that remain accessible.
- This study introduces a new method for studying the interplay between memory and identity, valuable for researchers and clinicians.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Autobiographical Memory
Autobiographical memory is a unique type of episodic memory that involves recollecting personal life experiences. It allows individuals to remember significant events from their past, creating a narrative of their lives. One interesting phenomenon related to autobiographical memory is the reminiscence bump. This effect refers to the tendency of adults to recall more events from their second and third decades of life — typically between ages 10 to 30 — than from other periods. This period is...
01:16Flashbulb Memory
A flashbulb memory is a highly vivid and detailed memory, often linked to events of significant emotional impact. These memories stand out in contrast to everyday memories due to their clarity and the precision with which they are recalled. The strong emotions associated with the event act as a catalyst, ensuring that specific details, such as one's location, actions, and even peripheral elements, are etched into memory with remarkable accuracy. For example, many people can vividly recall where...
01:29Self-Serving Bias
Self-serving bias is a cognitive phenomenon in which individuals attribute positive outcomes to internal factors such as their abilities, intelligence, or effort while attributing negative outcomes to external circumstances. This cognitive distortion helps maintain self-esteem but can also impede objective self-assessment.Theoretical Explanations of Self-Serving BiasTwo primary theories explain the self-serving bias: the cognitive explanation and the motivational explanation.The cognitive...
01:27Explicit Memories
Explicit memories, also known as declarative memories, are consciously remembered, recalled, and reported. Studying for a chemistry exam involves material that will become part of explicit memory. There are two types of explicit memory: episodic and semantic.
Episodic memory contains information about personally experienced events and is reported as a story. An example of episodic memory is recalling a birthday celebration. This type of memory includes the what, where, and when of an event, as...
Episodic memory contains information about personally experienced events and is reported as a story. An example of episodic memory is recalling a birthday celebration. This type of memory includes the what, where, and when of an event, as...
01:29Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
The Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model offers a psychological framework to understand how individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by the achievements of others, particularly those with whom they share close personal bonds. The SEM model operates when personal rather than social identity guides individuals. Central to this model is the notion that individuals have an inherent desire to preserve a favorable self-image, which is continuously shaped by interpersonal comparisons and...
01:24Implicit Memories
Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
One key aspect of implicit...