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Why Narrating Changes Memory: A Contribution to an Integrative Model of Memory and Narrative Processes
Andrea Smorti1, Chiara Fioretti2
1Department of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12. Complesso di San Salvi, Padiglione 26, 50135, Firenze, Italy. andrea.smorti@unifi.it.
Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science
|October 5, 2015
Summary
Autobiographical narrative transforms autobiographical memory by creating stories. The act of telling within a communicative situation shapes memories, leading to the RE.NA.ME model for understanding this relationship.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Linguistics
Background:
- Autobiographical memory (ME) and autobiographical narrative (NA) are distinct yet interconnected cognitive processes.
- Existing research often addresses the relationship between ME and NA indirectly.
- Understanding their interplay is crucial for comprehending memory and narration mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dynamic relationship between autobiographical memory and autobiographical narrative.
- To examine the impact of narration on the memory of the narrator.
- To propose a model for understanding ME and NA interactions.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing studies on ME and NA.
- Examination of memory organization (gist vs. verbatim) and emotional experiences.
- Consideration of social and conversational influences on memory and narrative.
Main Results:
- Autobiographical narrative transforms autobiographical memory into a story format, making it verbal and socialized.
- The process of narrativization is influenced by the communicative context and relational situation.
- A significant overlap exists between ME and NA due to shared social, developmental, and cultural origins.
Conclusions:
- Autobiographical narrative actively shapes and transforms autobiographical memory.
- The RE.NA.ME (Relation, Narration, Memory) model offers a framework for studying this complex interaction.
- ME and NA are distinct processes with overlapping functions, influenced by social and cultural factors.
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