Psychometric and psychodynamic correlates of first memories in younger and older adults

We conducted two studies that identified some of the psychometric and psychodynamic correlates of the first memories of younger and older adults. Collectively, these studies revealed that: (a) performance on the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) vocabulary and digit-span backwards tasks was negatively related to the age of younger and older adults' first memories, (b) performance on the death preparation subscale of the Reminiscence Function Scale was inversely related to age of older adults' first memories, but positively related to the age of younger adults' first memories, and (c) the use of internalizing defenses as measured by the Defense Mechanism Inventory was predictive of the age of younger, but not older, adults' first memories. The implications of these data for theories of infantile amnesia and life review are discussed.