Confidence, not consistency, characterizes flashbulb memories.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal cohort study (graded by design analogy for non-clinical behavioral research)
PubMed 12930476 · doi:10.1111/1467-9280.02453
What was done
On September 12, 2001, 54 Duke University students recorded their memories of first hearing about the September 11 terrorist attacks (flashbulb memory) alongside a recent everyday event. Participants were re-tested on their recall and subjective memory properties at either 1, 6, or 32 weeks later.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values. Consistency declined over time at comparable rates for both flashbulb and everyday memories. In contrast, ratings of vividness, recollection, and belief in accuracy declined over time only for everyday memories. Initial visceral emotion ratings correlated with subsequent belief in accuracy—but not with objective consistency—for flashbulb memories, and predicted later posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
Why it matters
This study shows that flashbulb memories are not uniquely accurate or preserved over time compared to ordinary memories; rather, high emotional arousal selectively preserves subjective confidence and perceived vividness.
Limits
The sample was small (n = 54) and restricted to university students. Exact numerical estimates, effect sizes, and test statistics are absent from the abstract. Participants were tested at only one follow-up interval (1, 6, or 32 weeks) rather than longitudinally across all intervals.
Cited by
- context Experiencing or observing traumatic, emotionally shocking events forms flashbulb memories.