Gender differences in autobiographical memory styles of older adults

Authors

David B. Pillemer, University of New Hampshire - Main CampusFollow
Paul Wink, Wellesley College
Theresa DiDonato, Wellesley College
Rebecca Sanborn, Wellesley College

Abstract

Abstract

Older adults provided oral life histories in a semi-structured interview format. The transcribed narratives were coded for the presence of specific, one-moment-in-time episodes. Participants differed systematically in the degree to which their narratives were marked by descriptions of specific events. Women's memory styles were markedly more specific or episodic than were men's styles. Participants' ratings of the ways that they use memory in daily life suggest that women place a greater value on purposeful reminiscence than do men.

Department

Psychology

Publication Date

11-2003

Journal Title

Memory

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/09658210244000117

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Pillemer, D.B., Wink, P., DiDonato, T.E., Sanborn, R.L. Gender differences in autobiographical memory styles of older adults. 2003. Memory, 11 (6), pp. 525-532.