A new flashbulb memory model applied to the Marmara earthquake

Abstract This study was based on the recollections of people who experienced the Marmara earthquake and those who had no direct experience with it but only heard it on the news. Four models of flashbulb memory (the photographic model, the comprehensive model, the emotional‐integrative model and the importance‐driven emotional reactions model) were compared in the study. Findings indicated that the importance‐driven emotional reactions model provided a better fit to the data than the others for victim and comparison groups. In order to verify the accuracy and consistency of flashbulb memories, a small sub‐sample of participants from both groups was tested twice after the first anniversary of the quake. The results indicated that the Marmara earthquake was accurately recalled and flashbulb memories about the event are consistent after a delay of one year. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.