I'll keep you in mind: the intimacy function of autobiographical memory

Abstract

An experimental study examined whether autobiographical memory serves the function of maintaining intimacy in romantic relationships. Young and older adults (N ¼ 129) recalled either autobiographical relationship events or fictional relationship vignettes. Intimacy (warmth, closeness) was measured before and after remembering. Warmth was enhanced after recalling autobiographical events irrespective of individuals' age and gender; women also experienced gains in closeness. The role of memory characteristics (quality and content) in producing changes in intimacy was also examined. Personal significance of the autobiographical memory was the best predictor of warmth and closeness in the relationship, though how frequently the memory was thought or talked about, and how intimate the memory was also predicted levels of closeness, particularly for women. Results are discussed in terms of how autobiographical memories can be used to foster intimacy in romantic relationships across adulthood.

Adult age differences in autobiographical reasoning in narratives.

“…From this perspective, people who engage in this type of remembering in social contexts may also benefit in an interpersonal sense, although this is more speculative (Alea & Bluck, 2006).…”

Factor structure of overall autobiographical memory usage: The directive, self and social functions revisited

“…The social function has often been described as the sharing of one's personal memories with others in order to facilitate social bonding, elicit empathy or intimacy, teach, communicate or inform (e.g., Alea & Bluck, 2003;Nelson, 1993;Pillemer, 1992), but may also involve memories about loved ones, which are not necessarily shared with others (e.g., Alea & Bluck, 2007;Kulkofsky, Wang & Hou, 2010). The three functions have been examined in relation to concrete memories (e.g., Alea & Bluck, 2007;Hyman & Faries, 1992;Kulkofsky et al, 2010;Mclean & Lilgendahl, 2008;Pasupathi, Lucas and Combs, 2002;Rasmussen & Berntsen, 2009a; as well as in survey studies addressing people's overall usage of the three functions generalized across concrete memories (e.g., Bluck, Alea, Habermas & Rubin, 2005, Cappeliez & O'Rourke, 2002Cappeliez, O'Rourke & Chaudbury, 2005;Webster, 1993;1997). Here, we focus on the latter.…”

Emotional valence and the functions of autobiographical memories: Positive and negative memories serve different functions

“…Although some researchers have suggested that memories may also serve intimacy functions-even if they are not shared with others (Alea & Bluck, 2003, 2007b)-we define social memories as memories that are often shared. We choose this definition because memory sharing is theorized to be one of the primary functions of autobiographical memory (e.g., Nelson, 1993), and because this definition minimizes conceptual .…”

“…The social function is apparent when individuals share their memories with others in order to persuade, ease communication, facilitate social bonding, and elicit empathy or intimacy (see, e.g., Alea & Bluck, 2007b;Cohen, 1998;Pillemer, 1992). Although some researchers have suggested that memories may also serve intimacy functions-even if they are not shared with others (Alea & Bluck, 2003, 2007b)-we define social memories as memories that are often shared.…”