How do flashbulb memories generally compare to individuals' confidence in their accuracy over time?

Flashbulb memories are vivid and detailed recollections of emotionally significant events. Research has shown that while individuals often believe their memories of these events are highly accurate, the actual accuracy of these memories tends to decline over time. Despite this decline in accuracy, people maintain a strong confidence in their memories. This phenomenon can be attributed to the emotional intensity associated with flashbulb memories, which can create a false sense of certainty about their details.

Individuals often recount their flashbulb memories with great assurance, even when they may have incorporated inaccuracies or altered details over time. Emotional significance seems to enhance the belief in the reliability of these memories, leading to a dissonance between actual memory accuracy and subjective confidence. Therefore, while the memories might not be as precise as one believes, the confidence in their recall remains high, which aligns with the correct answer.