Editing Flashbulb memory (section)

=== Cultural variations ===

Generally the factors that influence flashbulb memories are considered to be constant across cultures. Tinti et al. (2009) conducted a study on memories of Pope John Paul II's death amongst Polish, Italian, and Swiss Catholics.<ref name="Kulkofsky 2011 233–240">{{cite journal|last=Kulkofsky|first=S|author2=Wang, Q. |author3=Conway, M. |author4=Hou, Y. |author5=Aydin, C. |author6=Johnson, K. |author7=Williams, H. |title=Cultural variation in the correlates of flashbulb memories: An investigation in five countries|journal=Memory|year=2011|volume=19|pages=233–240| doi=10.1080/09658211.2010.551132|issue=3|pmid=21500085|s2cid=14894179}}</ref> The results showed that personal involvement was most important in memory formation, followed by proximity to the event.

Flashbulb memories differ among cultures with the degree to which certain factors influence the vividness of flashbulb memories. For example, Asian cultures tend to de-emphasize individuality; therefore Chinese and Japanese people might not be as affected by the effects of personal involvement on vividness of flashbulb memories. A study conducted by Kulkofsky, Wang, Conway, Hou, Aydin, Johnson, and Williams (2011) investigated the formation of flashbulb memories in 5 countries: China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Turkey. Overall participants in the United States and the United Kingdom reported more memories in a 5 minutes span than participants from Germany, Turkey, and China. This could simply be due to the fact that different cultures have different memory search strategies. In terms of flashbulb memories, Chinese participants were less affected by all factors related to personal closeness and involvement with the event. There were also cultural variations in effects of emotional intensity and surprise.<ref name="Kulkofsky 2011 233–240"/>