Gender differences in emotional reminiscing in a Scandinavian sample. Issue 3 (14th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Svane, Riikka Pauliina; Zaman, Widaad; Merrill, Natalie; Krøjgaard, Peter; Fivush, Robyn
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of psychology. Volume 63:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 173
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2022-03-14
• Subjects: Parent–child reminiscing -- gender differences -- emotion socialization -- emotion narratives -- autobiographical memory; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-5564

Abstract

Abstract : Emotional reminiscing is a context where children learn culture‐specific ways of understanding past emotional experiences through parentally scaffolded conversations, and learn how to connect these disparate experiences into their developing autobiographical memory. The goal of the present investigation was to explore possible gender differences in emotional reminiscing in an egalitarian cultural context (Denmark). Mothers and fathers from families ( N = 88) reminisced about a happy and a sad past event with their 4.5‐year‐old children. Parents' and children's contributions were coded for emotion words, emotion attributions, and explanations. The emotional content did not differ as a function of parent or child gender. However, Danish children talked more about emotions overall with their mothers compared to their fathers. The results are discussed in light of the socio‐cultural practices.