THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN YOUR LIFE - EXPLAINING THE REMINISCENCE BUMP IN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY

Two experiments explore the reminiscence bump (RB)-the disproportionat ely higher recall of early-life memories-by older adults. In Experimen t 1, participants in the age ranges of 36-40, 46-50, and 56-60 recalle d events freely or under instructions to avoid recent memories. Constr aint did not affect older participants but resulted in the appearance of an RE in younger participants. In Experiment 2, recall was constrai ned to particular life periods. Memories from these periods were compa red for ease of retrieval and along subjective dimensions (e.g. vividn ess). Memories from early life were more easily retrieved, but this wa s not due to differences in subjective qualities. A higher proportion of memories for first-time events were identified from early life, and these memories were more easily retrievable. The results are discusse d in relation to an existing model of autobiographical memory, and a r evised model is put forward.