Examining the positivity effect : the relationship of age and optimism in autobiographical memory

Examining the positivity effect : the relationship of age and optimism in autobiographical memory

Autobiographical memory

Memory -- Age factors

Memory -- Psychological aspects

Optimism

Reminiscing in old age

Sullivan, Marisa Carrie

2008

Goodwin, C. James

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Autobiographical memory is an important aspect of lifespan development. Some research has shown an age-related positivity effect in autobiographical memory, in which older adults tend to remember their life events in a relatively more positive way than younger adults. The socioemotional selectivity theory proposes that older adults seek out and focus on positive, emotionally gratifying events in their lives as a function of their realization that their time is diminishing. This theory works to explain this positivity effect observed in older adults. Although some research has been done, the empirical basis for this positivity effect has not been firmly established. Dispositional style, specifically optimism, may relate to this positivity effect. This thesis project sought to examine the differences in age and optimism in relation to the positivity effect found in autobiographical memory. Sixty participants were split into three age groups to examine the positivity effect: young adults (aged 18-19), middle-aged adults (aged 37-44), and older adults (aged 57-64). Participants were to recall three types of memories for life events that had occurred within the past 2 years: one negative, one positive, and one neutral. After recalling a memory, each participant was instructed to think carefully about the memory for 2 minutes. The participant then fi lied out the Memory Characteristic Questionnaire (MCQ) for that particular memory. This process was repeated twice more for the 2 other types of memories. After recalling and rating their memories, the participant filled out the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOTR) in order to assess their level of optimism. Results indicated no significant age differences. The means were in the direction consistent with what would be expected if the positivity effect exists. However, ratings followed a linear trend in items 10, 15, and the combined totals. This does not support hypothesis 2 (middle-aged adults will rate their memories just as the younger adults will, relatively more negative than the older adults). Evidence of this linear trend raises questions about socioemotional selectivity theory. Optimism was found to be a significant covariate. Lack of support for the positivity effect was most likely due to sample size, but might also have been affected by instructions and if the older adults were ""old enough.""

2015-06-08

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