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Reduction of the self-reference effect in younger and older adults
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 13:49 authored by Jonathan D Jackson, Cindy Luu, Abigail Vigderman, Eric D Leshikar, Peggy St Jacques, Angela GutchessRelating information to the self improves memory. However, this self-reference effect (SRE) is typically studied through explicit self-judgments on individual trials. The current study assessed whether a self-referential mode of thought, induced through a writing task, also induced an SRE on a later task. The study also tested the effects of aging on the SRE, given that a long-lasting mnemonic strategy may be especially relevant for this group. Ninety-two younger adults and 60 older adults were assigned to different writing conditions and then completed an unrelated SRE task. Across younger and older adults, the classic SRE effect was observed in the narrative writing condition, reduced in the semantic self-reference condition, and further reduced in the episodic self-reference condition. These results support the induction of a self-referential mode of thought, but this mode does not enhance memory. The classic SRE effect can be reduced after thinking about the self by reflecting on autobiographical memories. Results argue for a single shared self-referential mechanism that can be accessed through self-focused writing or the classic SRE task.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Psychology and NeuroscienceISSN
1984-3054Publisher
American Psychological AssociationExternal DOI
Issue
2Volume
12Page range
257-270Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Andrew and Virginia Rudd Centre for Adoption Research and Practice Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-06-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-06-18First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-06-15Usage metrics
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