Meaning making, uncertainty reduction, and the functions of autobiographical memory: A relational framework. |
| |
Authors: | Olivares Orlando J. |
| |
Abstract: | Three interrelated propositions are used to formulate a conceptual framework for understanding how the widely reported functions of autobiographical memory (a.m.)—the self, social, and directive functions—are related, complementary, and purposive. The existential literature provides a structure of meaningful relationships among various existential elements that are represented in a.m. It is argued that humans are meaning-makers driven by the need to make and understand relations within socially constructed realities. Human agency suggests that the process of self-reflection is a distinctly human core property of agency; moreover, the process of self-reflection is imbued with uncertainty. The social–cognitive literature suggests that humans seek relational coherence and meaning-ness, and strive to reduce uncertainty in their relational structures. Thus, it is suggested that the a.m. functions interact and support one another through relational frameworks such that a consistent and coherent life story can be created and maintained. Implications of this research are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
| |
Keywords: | existentialism meaning making relational coherence uncertainty reduction autobiographical memory |
|
|