The mood-enhancement function of autobiographical memories: Comparisons with other functions in terms of emotional valence

•In 2 studies, we examined the mood-enhancing function of autobiographical memories.•Mood-enhancing memories are more positive than self, social and directive memories.•Mood-enhancement is most strongly related to the emotional valence of memories.•This holds after including control variables such as participants’ current mood.•Mood-enhancement may be a distinct function of autobiographical memory. In two studies, we examined the emotional valence of memories used for mood-enhancement in relation to memories serving self, social and directive functions. Our sample included a total of 263 participants aged between 45 and 82 years. In Study 1, participants recalled memories in response to 51 cue words. In Study 2, participants recalled 32 memories that served the four functions (eight memories per function). We used multilevel modeling to take into consideration the hierarchical nature of our datasets (memories nested within individuals). Study 1 showed that emotional valence was positively associated with mood-enhancement and social functions, whereas negatively related to self and directive functions. This relation was strongest for the mood-enhancement function. In Study 2, mood-enhancing memories were rated as more positive than self, social and directive memories. We discussed results in terms of the tripartite model of memory functions and proposed that mood-enhancement should represent a distinct function.