Science behind the memory, says study
Posted on: 24/Nov/2016 10:11:13 AM
The reminiscence bump is the reference to the shape memories experienced between the ages 15 and 25 shows when we plot a curve of memories over a person’s lifespan. Studies suggest the reminiscence bump is part of a culturally defined period in our lives in which key experiences occur and are then shared and discussed. New research has suggested something different, that it arises because this is the period when we lay down memories and store information that will define who we are for the rest of our lives.
The findings of a recent study suggest that the reason people remember more from that critical time in their lives is indeed because it is when their identities are forming. Things we encounter that are not relevant to our identity are simply forgotten. Our tastes and exposure to events, information and media in this time period defines us for the rest of our lives.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that the theories about reminiscence being linked to people’s memory development or cultural experience are irrelevant. There’s still the question of why certain things become personally significant to us, and those theories might still provide answers here - we may have culturally shared views of what’s likeable or important; or we may rely on memory mechanisms to retain our sense of self. What we can say is that the personal significance of something to us is a key ingredient in why we experience the reminiscence bump.
