Remembering facts versus feelings in the wake of political events

Amid rising political polarisation, inaccurate memory for facts and exaggerated memories of grievances can drive individuals groups further apart. We assessed whether people with more accurate the concerning events were less susceptible to bias when remembering how made them feel. Study 1 participants’ 2016 U.S. presidential election (N = 571), included 33 Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM). 2 2018 referendum on abortion in Ireland 733). Participants rated happy, angry, scared they felt days after these events. Six months later, recalled their feelings factual information. In both studies, participants overestimated angry had but underestimated happiness fear. Adjusting importance, no association was found between accuracy feelings. Accuracy predicted by media exposure. consistency over time appraisals about past HSAM remembered election-related better than others, not Thus, having a good grasp did protect against