Flashbulb memories for a negative and a positive event: news of Desert Storm and acceptance to college

37 college students answered questions regarding the circumstances in which they first heard about two events that took place approximately two years prior: the beginning of Operation Desert Storm and the news of their acceptance to college. The number of details recalled about their own circumstances for both events was very high and not different for the two events. However, they reported having stronger emotional reactions (as measured by a 5-point rating scale) for the news of acceptance to college. Only for the news of Desert Storm was rated intensity of emotional reaction related to the number of details recalled. Sex differences were found in the intensity of emotional reactions and frequency of rehearsal but not in recall.