SELF-DEFINING MEMORY AND WELL-BEING IN EMERGING ADULTS
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Self-defining memories (SDMs) are vivid, emotionally intense, and personally significant autobiographical recollections, which are central to identity development and psychological well-being. Previous studies have found the important role of SDMs in individuals’ mental well-being. However, whether such a relationship exists among non-clinical young adults has not yet been studied. The present study examined how dimensions of SDMs predict well-being among American college students. A total of 118 participants (aged 18-24) were asked to write two SDMs and rate each memory on emotional intensity. Memory narratives were then coded. Participants also completed three well-being scales. Results showed that well-integrated memories were positively associated with psychological well-being. Negative emotional intensity also predicted well-being. The way individuals interpret and emotionally engage with their key life experiences may be more critical to mental well-being than the structural characteristics of those memories.