Positive memories

Keeping positive memories alive
I teamed up with Goodman and our graduate student Brittney Stephenson to conduct a series of studies to explore the best way to mark a special occasion like a graduation.

In one, we asked participants to recall their most recent and significant graduation, and what they did to celebrate or commemorate the event (e.g., going on a trip, throwing a party or buying a ring for themselves).

Then we asked everyone a series of questions tied to the positive emotions they associated with the graduation and the connection they felt toward it.

Not surprisingly, we found that people felt less connected to the accomplishment as more years passed by. What was surprising, however, was that those who had bought something material to celebrate the event — a keychain, a ring or a laptop — felt a stronger connection to the accomplishment over time. These people were also more likely to feel pride or joy about graduating.