An Examination of Age-Related Differences in Autobiographical Thinking using an Experience Sampling Approach: Insights from the Mind Window App.

Across two studies, we examined characteristics of autobiographical thinking in real-world settings using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Study 1 included an adult lifespan sample (N=3,847). Study 2 (pre-registered) included 214 adults whose autobiographical memories were also assessed with a traditional lab-based structured interview. Contrary to lab-based findings commonly reported in the literature, older adults across both studies reported more episodic specificity in their everyday autobiographical thoughts than younger adults, as well as shifts toward positive and social focus rather than on the self. Linguistic analyses validated self-report data, revealing greater concreteness and perceptual detail with increasing age.