Chronology versus centrality: uncovering age-related differences in order effects during the retrieval of autobiographical memories
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Older adults recall emotional autobiographical memories (AMs) chronologically and by importance. Chronological recall strengthens with age, while centrality recall for negative AMs reverses.
Area Of Science
- Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human Development
Background
- Autobiographical memories (AMs) are vital for personal identity.
- The lifespan changes in AMs retrieval processes remain under-explored.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate how AMs are recalled across the lifespan.
- To examine the influence of time and centrality on AMs recall order.
- To identify age-related differences in AMs retrieval.
Main Methods
- 364 participants (18-89 years) recalled positive and negative AMs.
- Participants provided event age and rated AM centrality to identity.
- Linear growth models analyzed recall order effects.
Main Results
- Emotional AMs were recalled chronologically and by importance.
- Chronological recall order strengthened with increasing age.
- Centrality order for negative AMs reversed with age; positive AMs were age-independent.
Conclusions
- Recall order of emotional AMs is influenced by age and valence.
- Motivational factors may underlie age-related retrieval differences in AMs.
- Findings shed light on lifespan changes in memory retrieval and identity.
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