Long-term flashbulb memory for learning of Princess Diana's death

Abstract

Flashbulb memories are unusually vivid recollections of the circumstances in which one first learns of a shocking and emotionally arousing event. In the present study we examined students' memories concerning the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Participants completed a standard flashbulb memory questionnaire 1 week after her death, in which they reported the circumstances in which they first heard the news. Accuracy of these memories (defined by consistency of responses across delays) was investigated by either a single retest 18 months after the event, or two retests at 3 and 18 months after the event. Participants' descriptions remained accurate at both 3 and 18 months, and testing at 3 months had no effect on accuracy of the subsequent 18-month responses. Consistent with previous research, both emotional intensity and rehearsal were related to accuracy.