Theories of autobiographical memory

Theories of autobiographical memory explore how people encode, store, and retrieve personal life experiences. One view suggests memories are organized like a mental diary, shaped by personal significance and emotional meaning. Another proposes that memories are reconstructed each time we recall them, influenced by current feelings and beliefs. Some theories highlight the importance of a “sense of self,” where memories form a cohesive narrative of our identity. Overall, these theories aim to explain how our past shapes our identity and influences our present and future.