Personal Objects and Dress as Instruments for Anchoring the Self, Remembering the Past, and Enhancing Well-Being

This chapter discusses the relationship that personal objects and dress have with individuals’ autobiographical memories, sense of self, and psychological well-being. The first part of the chapter introduces the psychological literature on autobiographical memory. It then presents theories and empirical evidence suggesting that autobiographical memories influence the self, as well as emotions, behaviours, and psychological well-being both over time and immediately upon retrieval. The second part of the chapter draws on psychology and disciplines such as anthropology and material culture studies to demonstrate how personal objects and dress can serve as powerful reminders of past experiences and past selves. It also attempts to elucidate the mechanisms through which personal objects and dress may influence psychological well-being. The chapter concludes by highlighting the need for further research in this area and how this research may help enhance vulnerable individuals’ well-being while reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.