Working memory capacity predicts listwise directed forgetting in adults and children

Flashbulb memories are highly vivid and long-lasting memories for events that are emotionally significant and personally important. Research in this area typically focuses on negative events such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the events of 11 September 2001, and the start of Operation Desert Storm. However, the current study examines flashbulb memory formation to the positive event of receiving an invitation to join a university-wide social organisation (Greek Life). Results suggest that this is an event capable of producing vivid flashbulb memories with high ratings of belief in accuracy and high consistency over time.