Identifying distinct sets of predictors of specific functions of autobiographical memory. Issue 9 (21st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lind, Majse; Demiray, Burcu; Bluck, Susan
• Is Part Of: Memory. Volume 27:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1313
• Page End: 1318
• Publication Date: 2019-10-21
• Subjects: Autobiographical memory -- function -- self-continuity -- social-bonding -- directive; Memory -- Periodicals; 153.1205
• DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2019.1639759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-8211

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Grounded in the ecological approach, research has charted several adaptive functions of autobiographical remembering. Each represents a rather different psychosocial domain (i.e., self, social, directive). The goal of this research was to determine the contributions of each of a set of variables, controlling for all others, in predicting use of autobiographical memory to serve each specific function. In two studies, participants ( N = 100; N = 195) rated frequency of functional use of specific event memories and completed a brief battery of memory-related measures. Most Study One results were replicated in Study Two. Self-relevance of memories was related to their functional use regardless of domain. Each function was also, however, predicted by a unique set of variables consistent with its use in a given psychosocial domain. Findings emphasise how a combination of factors come into play to allow humans to use autobiographical memory to serve various different functions in navigating daily life.