Retrieval of past and future positive and negative autobiographical experiences

ABSTRACT

We studied retrieval-induced forgetting for past or future autobiographical experiences. In the study phase, participants were given cues to remember past autobiographical experiences or to think about experiences that may occur in the future. In both conditions, half of the experiences were positive and half negative. In the retrieval-practice phase, for past and future experiences, participants retrieved either half of the positive or negative experiences using cued recall, or capitals of the world (control groups). Retrieval practice produced recall facilitation and enhanced memory for the practised positive and negative past and future experiences. While retrieval practice on positive experiences did not impair the recall of other positive experiences, we found inhibition for negative past and future experiences when participants practised negative experiences. Furthermore, retrieval practice on positive future experiences inhibited negative future experiences. These positivity biases for autobiographical memory may have practical implications for treatment of emotional disorders.

KEYWORDS:

• Autobiographical memory
• retrieval-induced forgetting
• past and future
• positive and negative experiences

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [grant number PSI2015-63709-P], and the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU[grant number GIU15/02].