Functions of mother-adolescent memory conversations: a mixed methods study in Türkiye

Elibol Pekaslan N., Sahin-Acar B., Leichtman M. D.

Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, cilt.4, ss.1-14, 2026 (Scopus)

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.