Abstract

Research shows that retrospective memory is often more extreme than in-the-moment experiences. While investigations into this phenomenon have mostly focused on distinct, one-time experiences, we examined it with respect to recurring day-to-day experiences in the eating domain, focusing on variables of the snapshot model—i.e., the most intense and the final experience. We used a smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment to assess the food intake and eating happiness of 103 participants (82.52% female, Mage = 21.97 years) over eight days, and then calculated their best (positive peak), worst (negative peak) and final experiences. Remembered eating happiness was assessed immediately after the study (immediate recall) and after four weeks (delayed recall). A significant memory-experience gap was revealed at immediate recall (d = .53). Remembered eating happiness was predicted by the worst eating experience (β = .41, p < .001), but not by the best or final eating experience. Analyzing changes over time did not show a significant memory-experience gap at delayed recall, but did reveal a similar influence of the worst eating experience (β = .39, p < .001). Findings indicate that, in the domain of eating, retrospective memory is mainly influenced by negative experiences. Overall, the results indicate that the snapshot model is a valid conceptualization to explain recall of both outstanding and day-to-day experiences.

Highlights

  • When we want to remember something from our past such as how much we enjoyed an experience or event, we might ask our friends and family, look at photos, or consult diary entries

  • Final eating occasion Aggregated per day 4

  • While remembered eating happiness was predicted by the eating occasion with the worst eating experience, retrospective evaluations were not significantly shaped by the eating occasion with the best eating experience or the experience of the final eating occasion

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Summary

Introduction

When we want to remember something from our past such as how much we enjoyed an experience or event, we might ask our friends and family, look at photos, or consult diary entries. We consult our memories, and these memories of past experiences guide our lives. This can be positive as memories can help us to prepare for future events and act appropriately, but can be negative as our recollections of negative experiences might be obstacles that discourage us from trying something again. While affective feelings are integral for in-themoment experiences, they are not directly available in retrospective memory and must be reconstructed based on semantic and episodic memory [1].

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