Work

Autobiographical memory and well-being in aging: The central role of semantic self-images

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Higher levels of well-being are associated with longer life expectancies and better physical health. Previous studies suggest that processes involving the self and autobiographical memory are related to well-being, yet these relationships are poorly understood. The present study tested 32 older and 32 younger adults using scales measuring well-being and the affective valence of two types of autobiographical memory: episodic autobiographical memories and semantic self-images. Results showed that valence of semantic self-images, but not episodic autobiographical memories, was highly correlated with well-being, particularly in older adults. In contrast, well-being in older adults was unrelated to performance across a range of standardised memory tasks. These results highlight the role of semantic self-images in well-being, and have implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for well-being in aging.

Source: Consciousness and Cognition

DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2015.02.017

Authors: Clare J. Rathbone, Emily A. Holmes, Susannah E. Murphy, Judi A. Ellis

Institutions: Oxford Brookes University, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, University of Reading

Language: English

Topic: Identity, Memory, and Therapy

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,210