Development of the Functions of the Autobiographical Memory in Shikohin Inventory

We developed the Functions of the Autobiographical Memory in Shikohin inventory (FAMS) through two studies. In study 1, 581 participants recalled memories cued by Shikohin (coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco) and evaluated autobiographical memory functions using multiple items from the results of previous studies. Factor analysis verified that the FAMS had a four-factor (coping, nostalgia, direction of action, and positive emotions) structure and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. The validity of the FAMS was also confirmed by high correlations between the Shikohin’s Psychological Effects Questionnaire and the FAMS, or the Thinking About Life Experiences and the FAMS. In study 2, 758 participants were divided into two groups. One group recalled memories cued by Shikohin, and the other group did not. Both groups then completed the FAMS. The group that recalled a memory had higher FAMS scores than the group that did not recall a memory.