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Cited by 897Identity, Memory, and TherapyMemory Processes and InfluencesCognitive Functions and Memory

The self and autobiographical memory: Correspondence and coherence

Conway, Martin A., Singer, Jefferson A., Tagini, Angela·2004·Social Cognition
DOI 10.1521/soco.22.5.491.50768
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Abstract

A modified version of Conway and Pleydell-Pearce's Self Memory System (SMS) account of autobiographical memory and the self is introduced. Modifications include discussion of a fundamental tension between adaptive correspondence (experience-near sensory-perceptual records of goal activity) and self-coherence (a more abstracted and conceptually-rich long-term store of conceptual and remembered knowledge). This tension is examined in relation to each SMS component—the episodic memory system, long-term self, and the working self. The long-term self, a new aspect of the model, consists of the interaction of the autobiographical knowledge base and the conceptual self. The working self, depending on goal activity status, mediates between episodic memory and the long-term self. Applications of the SMS to personality and clinical psychology are provided through analysis of self-defining memories and adult attachment categories, as well as case histories of traumatic memory. The SMS's role in imagination is examined through a brief discussion of Wordsworth's poetry.

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Crossref · 10.1521/soco.22.5.491.50768

Cites

119 of 119 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The theory of autobiographical memory suggests two functions: adaptive correspondence and self-coherence.

    “The theory of autobiographical memory suggests two functions in the forms of adaptive correspondence (i.e., accurate records of experience) and selfcoherence (i.e., the need to be consistent with self-concept; Conway, Singer, & Tagini, 2004).”

    From Narcissus locked in the past: vulnerable narcissism and the negative views of the past. (2021) · cites this paper as Conway, Singer, & Tagini, 2004

  • These two functions are in tension, because self-coherence distorts experiences and reconstructs them to fit the self-schema.

    “These two functions are in tension, because selfcoherence distorts experiences and reconstructs them to fit the selfschema.”

    From Narcissus locked in the past: vulnerable narcissism and the negative views of the past. (2021) · cites this paper as Conway, Singer, & Tagini, 2004

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Related

Authors
Conway, M. A., Singer, J. A., & Tagini, A.
Affiliations
  • University of Leeds (GB)
  • Connecticut College (US)
  • Durham University (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Social Cognition
Publisher
Guilford Publications
Published
2004-10
Volume
22
Issue
5
Pages
491-529
ISSN
0278-016X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1521/soco.22.5.491.50768
OpenAlex
W2062593487
Semantic Scholar
7dd2c752d9ffaaf0e742ab23382333cb1f2ab8a5
Cited by
897
References
120
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 45 · 2023: 44 · 2022: 55 · 2021: 71 · 2020: 60 · 2019: 50 · 2018: 68 · 2017: 56 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 36 · 2013: 46 · 2012: 41
FWCI
25.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Social Cognition (publishedVersion)
  • Digital Commons @ Connecticut College (Connecticut College) (submittedVersion)
  • BOA (University of Milano-Bicocca) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
autobiographical memory, self, self-coherence, episodic memory, self-defining memories, adult attachment, traumatic memory, imagination, William Wordsworth

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