Vicarious memories are memories that people have in reference to events that they have
not directly experienced; rather, they heard them secondhand. Previous studies of
vicarious memory have predominantly focused on vicarious trauma and intergenerational
narratives. There are few studies that have specifically examined non-traumatic vicarious
memories beyond intergenerational narratives. The purpose of this study was to
contribute new information to the memory literature regarding vicarious memory reports.
University students (N = 142) completed an in-person interview in which they recalled
four memories: a highly positive personal memory, a highly negative personal memory, a
highly positive vicarious memory and a highly negative vicarious memory. Participants
also completed questionnaires regarding identity development (Ego Identity Process
Questionnaire), identity distress (Identity Distress Survey) and psychological distress
(Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire 21). Personal and vicarious memory reports
were compared and contrasted in terms of various memory qualities, memory functions,
event centrality and the ways in which participants made meaning from the events. The
results indicate that vicarious and personal memory reports share many phenomenological
and functional properties. Although to a lesser degree than personal memories, vicarious
memories do influence decision-making and problem-solving. A particularly important
function of vicarious memory is enhancing intimacy. Furthermore, participants endorsed
vicarious memories as a reference point for interpreting other life experiences. Young
adults create meaning about themselves from highly emotional vicarious memories, and
they do so in a pattern that parallels meaning-making of highly emotional personal
memories. Current models of episodic memory only include events that individuals have directly experienced. The current study adds to a growing body of literature, which
suggests that current models of episodic memory are too restrictive and should expand to
include vicarious memory reports
