Individual Differences in Collective Memory: Heterogeneity of Personal Emotional Memory in Social Groups

Abstract

This research investigates the nuanced landscape of emotional memory within diverse social groups in the United States, focusing on the period from 2010 to 2020. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study explores individual differences in emotional memory scores across three distinct social groups (Social Group A, Social Group B, and Social Group C). The findings reveal significant variations in emotional memory, with Social Group B exhibiting consistently higher mean scores. These variations underscore the intricate interplay between group identity and the encoding of emotionally charged events. The study contributes to the fields of psychology and sociology by emphasizing the importance of examining individual differences within social groups, particularly through the lens of emotional memory. Practical implications extend to mental health interventions, community outreach, and policy development, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that acknowledge and address the diverse emotional needs of different social groups.