Vicarious memory promotes successful adaptation and enriches the self.

Abstract

Autobiographical memory theory and research have focused primarily on memories of personally experienced events. We propose that remembering specific memories and life stories recounted by others, termed vicarious memory (VM), is an essential component of personal identity and successful living. We examine (a) the broad adaptive significance of VM; (b) the importance of VM at different developmental periods, with a focus on early childhood; (c) the role played by VM when people confront new and challenging circumstances; (d) the value of VM for deepening understanding of others and establishing relationships; and (e) the positive consequences for personal identity of an enriched connection to family members' life stories. Although our primary focus is on the positive qualities of VM, we also draw attention to circumstances under which VM is problematic or dysfunctional. We conclude by proposing new directions for research and by identifying practical applications.

Making you my own: Three critical parameters for a theory of vicarious memory.

“…Vicarious memories are a unique form of memory that allows individuals to make the experiences of other people who are close to them as their own. The target article (Pillemer et al, 2024) provided an engaging view of vicarious memories and the ways that they may manifest in individuals' lives. Their work furthers the field immensely, moving us closer to a formal theory of vicarious remembering.…”

“…As such, when considering narrative ecology (Lind, 2023), we postulate vicarious memories would typically be derived from the microlevel. Pillemer et al (2024) provided a much more open view of the source of vicarious memories, including family, friends, support group members, work colleagues, and others. They also suggested that the listener does not need to hear the memory firsthand but can hear it through others (i.e., gossip; Dunbar, 2004) and that learning of the vicarious memory may not always occur in person.…”

“…Rationale for Particular Adaptive Outcomes Pillemer et al (2024) were highly inclusive in their ideas about the array of potential positive or adaptive outcomes related to vicarious remembering. Vicarious remembering has indeed been empirically linked to positive outcomes including subjective well-being (Thomsen & Vedel, 2019;however, not always;Thomsen et al, 2020), boosting self-esteem (Thomsen et al, 2021), and identity integration (Lind & Thomsen, 2018).…”

“…Reflecting on Pillemer et al’s (2024) comprehensive and authoritative article, our commentary flags three critical issues we believe could benefit from further conceptual specification to refine vicarious memory theory. First, we take the stand that vicarious memory is distinct from autobiographical memory and needs to be more precisely defined in its own right.…”

“…The target article for this issue on the potentially adaptive outcomes of vicarious memories (Pillemer et al, 2024) is well-researched and timely. Beginning a decade ago with the introduction of the term vicarious memory (Pillemer et al, 2015; Thomsen & Pillemer, 2017), a body of research has developed (e.g., Lind, Thomsen, et al, 2019; Lind & Thomsen, 2018).…”