Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Autobiographical memory and well-being in aging: The central role of semantic self-images
Clare J Rathbone1, Emily A Holmes2, Susannah E Murphy3
1Oxford Brookes University, Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
Higher levels of well-being are associated with longer life expectancies and better physical health. Previous studies suggest that processes involving the self and autobiographical memory are related to well-being, yet these relationships are poorly understood. The present study tested 32 older and 32 younger adults using scales measuring well-being and the affective valence of two types of autobiographical memory: episodic autobiographical memories and semantic self-images. Results showed that valence of semantic self-images, but not episodic autobiographical memories, was highly correlated with well-being, particularly in older adults. In contrast, well-being in older adults was unrelated to performance across a range of standardised memory tasks. These results highlight the role of semantic self-images in well-being, and have implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for well-being in aging.
Related Concept Videos
Autobiographical Memory
Understanding Self-Concept
Self-Schemas
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
Understanding the Self

