8 Questions
What is the term used to describe the way our memories are continually revised and rewritten as new information is obtained?
Reconstructive memory
How do current feelings about a partner influence what people remember about their shared past?
They tend to forget past disappointments
What is the result of partners misremembering their past in a positive way?
They remain optimistic about their future
What do contented lovers tend to recall about their past relationships?
That they have had some problems but things have recently gotten better
What is the outcome of reconstructive memory on our perception of our relationships?
It makes us feel that our relationships have always been more stable and predictable than they really were
What happens when partners are unhappy and their relationship is failing?
They tend to underestimate how happy they used to be
What is the pattern of recalling recent improvement in relationships that has not occurred?
Couples tend to recall recent improvement in their relationships that has not occurred
What is the ultimate outcome of reconstructive memory on our relationships?
It leads to damaging overconfidence
Study Notes
Memory and Relationships
- Our memories are not always faithful representations of past events, as they can be edited and updated with new information.
- This phenomenon is known as reconstructive memory, where memories are continually revised and rewritten as new information is obtained.
Influence on Relationships
- Partners' current feelings about each other can influence what they remember about their shared past.
- If currently happy, people tend to forget past disappointments, while if unhappy, they underestimate how happy and loving they used to be.
Misremembering and Optimism
- Misremembering the past can help partners remain optimistic about their future.
- Contented lovers often recall having had some problems in the past, but things have recently gotten better, making them happier now than they used to be.
Patterns of Memory in Relationships
- Couples often report that their relationships have recently improved, even when their satisfaction with each other is gradually eroding.
- This pattern of remembering recent improvement in their partnerships that has not occurred helps people remain happier than they might otherwise be.
Memory and Subsequent Behavior
- Our memories influence our subsequent behavior and emotions in our intimate relationships.
This quiz explores the concept of reconstructive memory, how our memories can be edited and updated, and the difference between what happened in the past and what we know now.
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