Remembering past challenges to feel better today: Role of neural dedifferentiation and autobiographical integration in late-life reappraisal
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Socioemotional theories suggest that surviving a lifetime of life experiences enhances older adult emotional resilience, yet the role of past emotional challenges in current models of emotion regulation is overlooked. In this paper, we propose how integration of memories and hippocampal dedifferentiation may together benefit the reappraisal of novel stressors across the lifespan. First, we review mood benefits of generating positive narratives, and more integrated memories of adverse life events with age. Second, we review neural mechanisms of narrative integration and meaning-making. We propose a framework in which narrative integration and neural dedifferentiation of hippocampal memory representations may facilitate late-life reappraisal via shared positive meaning-making in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). While current evidence supporting this model is limited, we conclude by discussing future directions for testing its components in multivariate neuroimaging studies, and briefly review clinical implications of the proposed model.
Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4214744765