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Early memories and maladjustment

C L Spirrison1, I M Schneider, J A Hartwell

  • 1Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, MS 39762-6161, USA. cls4@ra.msstate.edu

Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Recalling earliest memories before age 4 is linked to higher maladjustment. Conversely, reporting first memories after age 5 correlates with increased somatic concerns in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • The age of earliest memories is a potential indicator of psychological development.
  • Previous research has explored the relationship between early life experiences and adult psychological functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the age of earliest memories and psychological adjustment in adults.
  • To explore the relationship between early memory characteristics and measures of maladjustment and somatic concerns.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty undergraduates reported their earliest memories.
  • Participants completed psychological assessments including the Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank (RISB), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Wahler Physical Symptoms Inventory, and Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale.

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  • Early memories were scored for Emotional Poise, Activity, and Dependability.

    • Main Results:

    • No significant association was found between early memory factors (Emotional Poise, Activity, Dependability) and maladjustment or social desirability.
    • Individuals recalling earliest memories before age 4 showed significantly higher maladjustment scores on the RISB compared to those with later memories.
    • Participants with earliest memories after age 5 reported significantly more somatic concerns than those with average onset memories (4-5 years).

    Conclusions:

    • The age of earliest memory recall is significantly associated with adult psychological adjustment and somatic concerns.
    • Recalling very early memories (before age 4) may be indicative of underlying maladjustment.
    • Later onset of earliest memories (after age 5) may be associated with heightened somatic complaints.