Applied Cognitive Psychology
Personal and Collective Functions of Family Historical Memories
ABSTRACT Memories are inherently functional, shaping identity, fostering social bonds, and guiding behaviour. We argue that family historical memories—situated at the intersection of individual experience and collective narrative—can serve both personal and collective functions. This study examines family memories of resistance and collaboration during World War II among 96 French‐speaking Belgians from 42 families across three generations. Through interviews, we assessed the importance of these memories and the fu …