ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses similarities and differences of Flashbulb memories (FBMs) and collective memories (CMs). It examines the role of social sharing, mass media rehearsal and commemorations and rituals in both FBMs and CMs. FBMs are vivid and confident memories of the personal circumstances surrounding people's discovery of shocking public events, such as assassinations of famous figures. Models of FBMs included different predictors for the formation of memories: novelty and the reaction of surprise when learning about the event; the intensity and valence of emotional reactions; the consequentiality of the original event and appraisal of importance; rehearsal, internal or rumination; external interpersonal and mediated by mass media; and pre-existing knowledge, attitudes, and event memory. Complementary social factors related to collective identity and culture explain why certain CMs of the past are better maintained and more easily reactivated by society members. These factors are relevant because personal significance of events, a clear correlate of FBMs, is mainly associated with collective identity.
