Title
The Roles of Gender and Temporal Distance in the Recall of Dissonant Self-Related Memories
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2014
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Publication Title
Consciousness and Cognition
Abstract
This study examined strategies employed to support a positive self-image in the face of dissonant self-related memories, especially focusing on the role of gender. Participants (N = 498) were recruited online and identified a self-descriptive trait. They then reported a memory of a time when they did or did not act according to that trait. Participants distanced themselves from dissonant, self-related memories by downplaying the event’s importance and relevance to identity and by emphasizing their lack of agency and the degree to which they had changed. Additionally, participants reported dissonant events from further in the past than consonant events, a tendency displayed more strongly amongst women than men. Women also rated events as more pertinent to the self on questionnaire measures. Findings demonstrate ways that autobiographical memories are reported and organized to support a positive self-image, and deepen an understanding of the role of gender in this process.
DOI
10.1016/j.concog.2014.07.003
Recommended Citation
Grysman, Azriel. "The Roles of Gender and Temporal Distance in the Recall of Dissonant Self-Related Memories." Consciousness and Cognition 29 (2014): 10-22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053810014001172
Comments
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