Functions of mother-adolescent memory conversations: a mixed methods study in Türkiye
Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, cilt.4, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fdpys.2026.1847758
- Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Developmental Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: adolescence, autobiographical memory functions, emotion regulation, emotion talk, mixed methods study, mother-child memory conversation
- Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction – The functions of autobiographical memory have been studied primarily in adult populations using self-report measures. Many studies have focused on mother-child reminiscing, but memory functions have rarely been coded as they emerge in conversations. In the current study, we investigated the functions of mother-adolescent reminiscing using a mixed-method approach. Methods – Thirty mother-adolescent dyads (M adolescent age 15 years) talked about three shared past events elicited by sadness, anger, and happiness. Each utterance was coded through thematic analysis. Results – With a qualitative approach, we examined each utterance; sub-themes emerged, which converged in self-, social, and directive functions. Emotion regulation themes were also observed within the three functions, most prominently the directive. With a quantitative approach, we analyzed differences in the frequency of the functions and found that mothers' speech emphasized social and directive functions, while adolescents' emphasized self-function. Discussion – Findings are discussed in terms of methodological, developmental, and cultural aspects of autobiographical memory functions.