Consistency of earliest memories is related to direct retrieval

Abstract

We explored the retrieval type and speed in remembering earliest memories and their consistency in content, dating, and event characteristics over time. A total of 73 young adults (Mage = 28.58, SDage = 3.52) participated with 2- and 4-year time lags. Results indicated 56.5%, 56.2%, and 53.4% content consistency over 2, 4, and 6 years, respectively. When earliest memories were consistent, they were dated earlier than when they differed across the three sessions. Similarly, directly remembered earliest memories were dated earlier than the generated ones. Most of the event characteristics displayed no significant differences as a function of consistency or retrieval type. Direct retrieval was similar in prevalence but faster in speed compared to generative retrieval. Finally, participants who reported direct retrieval were more likely to remember the same earliest memories over time, pointing to the association between consistency and the retrieval type.