JOURNAL ARTICLE

What Features of Mind-wandering episodes Predict their Recall? A Think-Aloud Study.

  • Published In: Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2026. P. 855 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

This article focuses on research investigating the factors that influence whether mind-wandering (MW)—task-unrelated thoughts detached from the environment—is remembered or forgotten. Using a Think-Aloud Protocol and a delayed free-recall test, the study found that MW episodes were more likely to be recalled if they were longer, involved other people, had future temporal orientation, and lacked an apparent function. Additionally, recall showed primacy and recency effects and tended to follow the original chronological order of episodes. These findings suggest that memory for MW episodes is organized by phenomenological characteristics and temporal dynamics, similar to memory for external stimuli. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. 2026/04, p855
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1944-2718
  • Accession Number:193046412
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Psychology & Psychiatry Journal is the property of NewsRx and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.