Understanding the reminiscence bump: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Autobiographical memory research consistently observes the reminiscence bump.
• This phenomenon describes the tendency for older individuals to recall more personal memories from their adolescence and early adulthood (approx. 10-30 years of age).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize peer-reviewed literature on the reminiscence bump.
• To identify common methods, memory types, temporal locations, and theoretical explanations for this memory phenomenon.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across nine databases up to 2017.
• Sixty-eight quantitative studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic analysis.
• Data extraction focused on memory activation methods, memory types, bump location, and theoretical accounts.

Main Results:

• The reminiscence bump's temporal location varied: 10-30 years for important events, 5-30 years for word-cued memories, and 6-39 years for life script events.
• Common memory activation methods included cuing and recalling important memories.
• Recalled memories encompassed personal/autobiographical events, public events, and life script events.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight variability in the reminiscence bump's temporal manifestation based on memory type and activation method.
• The narrative/identity and cultural life script accounts provide the most robust explanations for the reminiscence bump phenomenon.