Abstract
Researchers have proposed that autobiographical memory serves three basic functions in everyday life: self-definition, social connection, and directing behaviour (e.g., Bluck, Alea, Habermas, & Rubin, 2005). However, no research has examined relations between the functions of autobiographical memory and healthy functioning (i.e., psychological wellbeing). The present research examined the relations between the self, social, and directive functions of autobiographical memory and three factors of psychological wellbeing in single and recurring autobiographical memories. A total of 103 undergraduate students were recruited and provided ratings of each function for four autobiographical memories (two single, two recurring events). Results found that individuals who use their autobiographical memories to serve self, social, and directive functions reported higher levels of Purpose and Communion and Positive Relationships, and that these relations differ slightly by event type.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 265-275 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Memory |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 1 2014 |
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Keywords
- Autobiographical memory
- Directive
- Function
- Self
- Social
- Wellbeing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Psychology(all)
Cite this
Relations between the functions of autobiographical memory and psychological wellbeing. / Waters, Theo.
In: Memory, Vol. 22, No. 3, 01.04.2014, p. 265-275.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Relations between the functions of autobiographical memory and psychological wellbeing
AU - Waters, Theo
PY - 2014/4/1
Y1 - 2014/4/1
N2 - Researchers have proposed that autobiographical memory serves three basic functions in everyday life: self-definition, social connection, and directing behaviour (e.g., Bluck, Alea, Habermas, & Rubin, 2005). However, no research has examined relations between the functions of autobiographical memory and healthy functioning (i.e., psychological wellbeing). The present research examined the relations between the self, social, and directive functions of autobiographical memory and three factors of psychological wellbeing in single and recurring autobiographical memories. A total of 103 undergraduate students were recruited and provided ratings of each function for four autobiographical memories (two single, two recurring events). Results found that individuals who use their autobiographical memories to serve self, social, and directive functions reported higher levels of Purpose and Communion and Positive Relationships, and that these relations differ slightly by event type.
AB - Researchers have proposed that autobiographical memory serves three basic functions in everyday life: self-definition, social connection, and directing behaviour (e.g., Bluck, Alea, Habermas, & Rubin, 2005). However, no research has examined relations between the functions of autobiographical memory and healthy functioning (i.e., psychological wellbeing). The present research examined the relations between the self, social, and directive functions of autobiographical memory and three factors of psychological wellbeing in single and recurring autobiographical memories. A total of 103 undergraduate students were recruited and provided ratings of each function for four autobiographical memories (two single, two recurring events). Results found that individuals who use their autobiographical memories to serve self, social, and directive functions reported higher levels of Purpose and Communion and Positive Relationships, and that these relations differ slightly by event type.
KW - Autobiographical memory
KW - Directive
KW - Function
KW - Self
KW - Social
KW - Wellbeing
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U2 - 10.1080/09658211.2013.778293
DO - 10.1080/09658211.2013.778293
M3 - Article
VL - 22
SP - 265
EP - 275
JO - Memory
JF - Memory
SN - 0965-8211
IS - 3
ER -