Recurrent Involuntary Memories Are Modulated by Age and Linked to Mental Health

Recurrent involuntary autobiographical memories (IAMs), or memories that spring to mind unintentionally and repetitively, are common among younger and older adults. Since older adults show enhanced emotion regulation, we investigated whether their recurrent IAMs were more positive than younger adults'. Additionally, we examined whether recurrent IAMs reflected mental health in both age groups. In our study, community-dwelling older (M-age = 75.6) and younger adults ((M-age = 19.7; ns = 95) completed surveys assessing recurrent IAMs (e.g., their frequency, valence) and symptoms of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress). As hypothesized, age modulated recurrent IAM valence, despite the involuntary nature of these memories: younger adults' recurrent IAMs were disproportionately negative (74%), whereas older adults' were disproportionately positive (60%). Further, experiencing recurrent IAMs-especially negative ones-predicted worse mental health in both younger and older adults.