On the Existence and Importance of the Intergenerational Transmission of Conflict-Related Family Memories

On the Existence and Importance of the Intergenerational Transmission of Conflict-Related Family Memories

Clinical psychology

Kristen Walker

Öykü Ekinci, Norman R. Brown

Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition

Vol 13

No. 2

2024

American Psychological Association

Journal article

English

Restricted Access

In this commentary on Pillemer et al. (2024), we aimed to highlight a particular type of vicarious memories and their functional significance by exploring the transmission of conflict-related memories across generations, shifting the focus from personal to collective memory. We discuss how historical family memories influence the subsequent generation’s perception of their parents’ experiences, societal contexts, individual and group identities, values, and intergenerational relationships. While studies emphasize the temporal and mnemonic limitations of memory transmission, such as the loss of details and potential distortions, understanding how vicarious memories can intersect with collective memories is important. This understanding not only shapes how individuals perceive themselves and others but also influences societal interpretations of the past, fostering intergroup understanding and collective memory continuity across generations.