Determinants of quality, specificity, and stability of emotional episodic memories in a fine-dining context

For theoretical and practical reasons, it is of great interest to understand how accurate persistent episodic memories enjoyable experiences are formed maintained, for example, in the context gastronomy other instances experience design. Here, we investigated factors that might affect quality (a measure coherence) immediate long-term emotional individual dishes a long complex dinner fine-dining restaurant. We also assessed recognition memory pictures dishes. Intra-class correlations revealed good memory, which remained stable over three months. Contributing these kinds were with path modelling. The was enhanced by hedonic intensity most valued during meal impaired least Enjoying final dish positively affects after experience. Interestingly, when diners reported have been distracted from meal, presumably communicating their companions about food, had positive effect on memory. Personality traits no substantial impact either type Alcohol intake modestly affected but – interestingly statistically significant Altogether, this study provides novel information main determinants precision temporal stability nonemotional meal. These findings contribute psychological foundations designing memorable areas. Knowing what may determine whether gastronomic would be holy grail any chef. design should provide intense moments aiming increase those moments. Different stability, instance, diner interacts food itself. In regard, serving dining course very tasty less delicious thereafter can enhance memorability former, not so much latter, as disturbing diner. Critically, enjoying addition, events shared companions. Far being distracting element, social relationships table seem experience, communication deeply elaborates reinforces traces. reinforcement foods, alcohol has negligible effect. Although our obtained context, implications current generalizable other, more standard contexts. critical point focus having specific episodes rather than global valuation. All outcomes converge probability repeating regardless high-level restaurant or one.