Gender specificity of early memories in young adults

Abstract

The present study focuses on examining gender-specific features of early autobiographical memories. The study sample consisted of 50 people (equally distributed between males and females) aged 16 to 26 years. To identify gender identity, the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI), as adapted by Klecina I.S. in 2003, was employed; The investigation into autobiographical memory features was conducted using an interview method. Gender-specific characteristics were revealed in the thematic directions of early memories. Respondents with a feminine gender type more frequently touched upon topics related to family, leisure, and hobbies compared to other participants. It was observed that individuals with masculine gender identity were less inclined to address interpersonal relationships when reproducing early autobiographical memories. Additionally, it was found that early memories of feminine and androgynous respondents exhibited high emotional intensity, in contrast to the memories of masculine participants.