Self-Defining and Early Childhood Memories: Subjective Intensity Rating of Memory-Related Emotions

Ornella Montebarocci

doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20160505.12

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to explore the subjective rating of emotional intensity during the recall of memory-related emotions. 41 participants retrieved two different types of autobiographical memory – i.e., a self-defining memory and an earliest childhood memory – and rated the intensity of the emotions experienced during the recall of each memory (anger, sadness, fear, happiness, shame and guilt). The latency and duration times of the narratives were also collected. Self-defining memories seemed to be perceived as more intense compared to earliest childhood memories, confirming the strong emotional charge that characterizes these types of memories. Longer duration times of the narratives were also observed for self-defining memories compared to earliest childhood memories. These results lend more support to differences between self-defining and early childhood memories. They also suggest that emotional experiences associated with self-relevant memories constitute the key to the self- and other-understanding in everyday meaningful interactions as well as in a clinical therapeutic setting.

Highlights

Autobiographical memory is defined as a subset of the mental representations of one's past experiences [1, 2]
A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for repeated measures was conducted on the intensity scores of the six emotions with Type of Memory (2 levels: Self-Defining Memories (SDMs) vs. Earliest Childhood Memories (ECMs)) as the within-subjects factor and Gender as the between-subjects factor
Considering the univariate tests, a significant main effect of Type of Memory was found on the Anger and Fear intensity scores. These emotions were rated as more affectively intense for SDMs compared to ECMs

Summary

Introduction

Autobiographical memory is defined as a subset of the mental representations of one's past experiences [1, 2]. Earliest Childhood Memories (ECMs) come from the early years of life and, are more fragmentary and less coherent compared to more recent memories [9, 10]. These memories may be marked with special personal significance, for example they are linked to an individual’s critical themes, and may be associated with specific, though less intense, emotional experiences (e.g., re-experience of fear or anger). In an individual’s daily life SDMs are essential in developing intimate relationships, instructing and informing others, and eliciting empathy and reassurance from others [11] They may play a critical role in therapeutic contexts. Though fragmentary, ECMs play a critical role in self-development across different

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Discussion

Conclusion