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Barry TJ, Hallford DJ. Transdiagnostic and transtherapeutic strategies for optimising autobiographical memory. Behav Res Ther 2024; 180:104575. [PMID: 38852230 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Our memories for past personally experienced autobiographical events play an important role in therapy, irrespective of presenting issue, diagnoses or therapeutic modality. Here, we summarise evidence for how autobiographical memory abilities can influence our mental health and the relevance of this for the treatment of mental health problems. We then guide the reader through principles and strategies for optimising autobiographical memory within treatment. We ground these recommendations within research for stand-alone interventions for improving autobiographical memory and from studies of how to support the formation and retrieval of therapeutic memories. Options are given for clinicians to guide clients in improving retrieval of autobiographical memories within treatment, for improving autobiographical memory for the therapeutic experience itself, and for creating improvements in autobiographical memory that endure post-treatment. We also provide worksheets for clinicians to use within treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | - D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Merín L, Mateo A, Nieto M, Ros L, Latorre JM. Language and autobiographical memory development from 5 to 12 years: A longitudinal perspective. Mem Cognit 2024:10.3758/s13421-024-01544-5. [PMID: 38443518 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-024-01544-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The main aim of this study, with two repeated measurements, was to analyze the development of autobiographical memory in a sample of 78 Spanish participants at ages 5 (Time 1; M = 62.43 months, range: 50-74 months) and 12 (Time 2; M = 142.71 months, range: 132-155 months). Data were collected on autobiographical memory and verbal functions. We analyzed the relation between language and autobiographical memory specificity from a longitudinal perspective and assessed the indirect effect of vocabulary in the relationship between age and specific memory at both temporal moments. The results showed that language skills were positively related with autobiographical memory specificity at preschool age, but not at the second measurement. Furthermore, vocabulary scores appear to mediate the relationship between age and autobiographical specificity when children are in the preschool years, but not later. These findings agree with previous research that consider preschool age to be a crucial period for the development of autobiographical memory and its relations with language, but once basic command of language is acquired, linguistic differences impact much less on individual differences in autobiographical specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llanos Merín
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla, La Mancha, Avenida de Almansa 14, 02006, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alonso Mateo
- Faculty of Education, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Marta Nieto
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla, La Mancha, Avenida de Almansa 14, 02006, Albacete, Spain.
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Laura Ros
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla, La Mancha, Avenida de Almansa 14, 02006, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - José Miguel Latorre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla, La Mancha, Avenida de Almansa 14, 02006, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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Brandeis BO, Siegle GJ, Franzen P, Soehner A, Hasler B, McMakin D, Young K, Buysse DJ. Subjective and neural reactivity during savoring and rumination. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:1568-1580. [PMID: 37726588 PMCID: PMC10684651 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive thinking about negative emotions or events is strongly associated with worse mental health, whereas repetitive positive thought is generally believed to be beneficial. This observation is at odds with the idea that all forms of repetitive thinking share underlying neural mechanisms. To resolve this apparent discrepancy, the present study examined relationships between subjective affect and neural mechanisms during periods of sustained processing of positive (savoring) and negative (rumination) emotion. We also examined potential common moderators of savoring and rumination including memory specificity and sleep quality. Results indicated that individuals who experience high positive affect during savoring also are likely to experience more intense negative affect during rumination. fMRI-derived brain activity revealed common mechanisms of rumination and savoring. Memory specificity had common effects on neural correlates of rumination and savoring; sleep quality was not associated with mechanisms of savoring or rumination. These results suggest that repetitive engagement with positive and negative affect is similar both subjectively and mechanistically. Clinical interventions for rumination may benefit from capitalizing on preserved capacity for savoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greg J Siegle
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Peter Franzen
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Adriane Soehner
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Brant Hasler
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Dana McMakin
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kym Young
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Daniel J Buysse
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, WPH, 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Gibbons JA, Dunlap S, Friedmann E, Dayton C, Rocha G. The Fading Affect Bias is Disrupted by False Memories in Two Diary Studies of Social Media Events. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Gibbons
- Christopher Newport University, Department of Psychology, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News Virginia United States
| | - Spencer Dunlap
- Christopher Newport University, Department of Psychology, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News Virginia United States
| | - Emma Friedmann
- Christopher Newport University, Department of Psychology, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News Virginia United States
| | - Clare Dayton
- Christopher Newport University, Department of Psychology, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News Virginia United States
| | - Gabriela Rocha
- Christopher Newport University, Department of Psychology, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News Virginia United States
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Khan S, Kuhn SK, Haque S. A Systematic Review of Autobiographical Memory and Mental Health Research on Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:658700. [PMID: 34149479 PMCID: PMC8211731 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.658700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research examining trauma, memory, and mental health among refugee and asylum-seeking people has increased in recent years. We systematically reviewed empirical work focusing on the link between autobiographical memory and mental health among these populations. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018095888). Six major databases were searched in August-2020 with no time limit for publication. Following PRISMA Statement guidelines, 22 articles reporting ten quantitative, nine qualitative, and three mixed-method studies were selected from 254 articles identified in the initial search. A basic convergent and qualitative meta-integration technique was employed for data extraction. Four recurrent themes were extracted: (1) memory activation method, (2) memory features, (3) memory content, and (4) refugee mental health. Theme 1 illustrates that narrative interviews, important event recall, and cue word methods were used in most studies. Theme 2 highlights that memories of refugee people were often less specific, inconsistent, and negative-focused. Retrieval failure was also common among these people. Theme 3 reveals that refugee and asylum-seeking people frequently discussed their abandoned identities, lost resources, injustices, ongoing sufferings, and pointless futures. Finally, theme 4 identifies the prevalence of various mental health conditions like Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, helplessness, and anger among these people. The results are discussed in the context of the current autobiographical memory and mental health theories, considering refugee-specific experiences in the asylum process and refugee status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjida Khan
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Sara K. Kuhn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Shamsul Haque
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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Holland CA, Boukouvalas A, Clarkesmith D, Cooke R. Specific Autobiographical Recall Mediates Impact of Cognition and Depression on Independence Function and Well-Being in Older Adults. Front Psychol 2021; 12:652600. [PMID: 33959079 PMCID: PMC8095394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.652600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autobiographical memory specificity has been associated with cognitive function, depression, and independence in older adults. This longitudinal study of 162 older adults moving to active supported living environments tracks changes in the role of the ability to recall specific autobiographical memory as a mediator between underlying cognitive function, or depression, and outcome perceived health or independence (e.g., Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, IADLs), across 18 months, as compared with controls not moving home. Clear improvements across time in autobiographical specificity were seen for residents but not controls, supporting the role of a socially active environment, and confirmed by correlation with number of activities reported in diaries, although the impact of diary activities on the effect of time on autobiographical specificity was not found. The role of autobiographical specificity in mediating general cognition and outcome functional limitations was clear for social limitations at 12 and 18 months, but its role in mediating effects of executive function and perceived health persisted throughout. The role of specificity in mediating between depression and perceived health, IADLs, and Functional Limitations persisted throughout. Analysis examining autobiographical specificity and depression as joint mediators between cognition and independence showed a forward effect such that higher specificity scores reduced the negative mediation effect of depression on independence. Finally, data showed the reduction of many of these mediations over time, supporting the role of autobiographical memory in times of change in a person's social situation. Data support potential autobiographical memory intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Holland
- Division of Health Research, Centre for Ageing Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Alexis Boukouvalas
- Molecular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Clarkesmith
- Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Cooke
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Fang J, Dong Y. Autobiographical memory disturbance in depression. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:1618-1626. [PMID: 33870813 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1916954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It is found that overgeneral Autobiographic Memory (AM) disturbance is related to affective disorder such as depression. This article reviewed the conception and mechanism of overgeneral AM, which including Affection Regulation, Functional Avoidance, Capture & Rumination, Impaired Executive Control and the CaR-FA-X model. The relationship between depression and overgeneral AM is also reviewed, in both adult and adolescent patients, overgeneral AM is a risk factor of depressive disorder and AM deficits might be trait-like in depressive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Shanghai, China
| | - Yourong Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai 9th Hospital Affiliated to Medical School, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
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Vanaken L, Hermans D. How am I going to tell you this? The relations between social anxiety and narrative coherence. Memory 2020; 28:1191-1203. [PMID: 33023378 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2020.1826971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, evidence has been increasing that individuals who are able to narrate coherently about their autobiographical memories, receive more positive social feedback, have higher-quality social relationships and are overall less likely to suffer from internalising psychopathology, like depression and anxiety. However, the relation between narrative coherence and social anxiety, in particular, has not been topic of research until now. This is remarkable, since the concern about negative evaluations by others in social situations is at the core of social anxiety. In the present experimental study (N = 68), we investigated in a two-by-two design how trait and state social anxiety are related to narrative coherence, as well as possible underlying mechanisms. In our study, neither trait nor state social anxiety, nor their interaction had the expected detrimental effect on narrative coherence. However, trait differences in the proposed mechanisms of social anxiety were in line with the literature. Results showed that trait social anxiety and thematic narrative coherence were indirectly negatively related, via the intervening effects of an increased internal focus on anxiety cues, an excessive external focus on negative social evaluation, larger working memory load, more rumination and more depressive symptoms. Limitations and recommendations for future research are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauranne Vanaken
- Centre for Learning Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for Learning Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Bucciarelli M, Johnson-Laird PN. Beliefs and emotions about social conventions. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2020; 210:103184. [PMID: 32980632 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2020.103184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Deontic assertions concern what people should and shouldn't do. One sort concern moral principles, such as: People should care for the environment; and another sort concern social conventions, such as: People should knock before entering an office. The present research examined such deontic assertions and their corresponding factual assertions, such as: People care for the environment and People knock before entering an office. Experiment 1 showed a correlation between emotions and beliefs for both sorts of deontic assertion, but not for their factual counterparts in which the word "should" had been deleted (as in the preceding examples). Experiment 2 showed that changing the pleasantness of participants' emotions about social conventions changed their strength of belief in them. Experiment 3 showed conversely that changing the participants' strength of belief in social conventions changed the pleasantness of their emotions about them. These results corroborate the mental model theory of deontic assertions, which postulates that emotions and beliefs about deontics depend on parallel systems that interact with one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bucciarelli
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Center for Logic, Language and Cognition, Università di Torino, Turin 10124, Italy.
| | - P N Johnson-Laird
- Emeritus, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA.
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Young KD, Friedman ES, Collier A, Berman SR, Feldmiller J, Haggerty AE, Thase ME, Siegle GJ. Response to SSRI intervention and amygdala activity during self-referential processing in major depressive disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 28:102388. [PMID: 32871385 PMCID: PMC7476063 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Examined whether SSRIs normalize amygdala activity or dampen responsiveness. Responders and non-responders did not differ in amygdala activity prior to treatment. SSRI responders had increased amygdala activation to positive stimuli after treatment. SSRI responders also had decreased amygdala activation to negative stimuli after treatment.
There are conflicting reports on the impact of antidepressants on neural reactions for positive information. We thus hypothesized that there would be clinically important individual differences in neural reactivity to positive information during SSRI therapy. We further predicted that only those who responded to SSRIs would show increased amygdala reactivity to positive information following treatment to a level similar to that seen in healthy participants. Depressed individuals (n = 17) underwent fMRI during performance of a task involving rating the self-relevance of emotionally positive and negative cue words before and after receiving 12 weeks of SSRI therapy. At post-treatment, SSRI responders (n = 11) had increased amygdala activity in response to positive stimuli, and decreased activity in response to negative stimuli, compared to non-responders (n = 6). Results suggest that normalizing amygdala responses to salient information is a correlate of SSRI efficacy. Second line interventions that modulate amygdala activity, such as fMRI neurofeedback, may be beneficial in those who do not respond to SSRI medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kymberly D Young
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA.
| | - Edward S Friedman
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA
| | - Amanda Collier
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA
| | | | | | - Agnes E Haggerty
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, 33136 FL, USA
| | - Michael E Thase
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, 19104 PA, USA
| | - Greg J Siegle
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA
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Comparison of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and healthy individuals in terms of autobiographical memory, mood, and cognitive emotion regulation. Cogn Process 2020; 22:131-139. [PMID: 32494884 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-020-00973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown cause. It affects different organs in the body. Neuropsychiatric manifestations are among the adverse effects of this disease. Considering the importance of neuropsychiatric manifestations, especially memory dysfunction and mood disorders, early neuropsychological evaluation and serious rehabilitation programs are needed. The present study aimed to compare SLE patients and healthy individuals in terms of autobiographical memory, mood, and cognitive emotion regulation. A sample of 30 SLE patients and 30 healthy individuals was selected by the convenience sampling method. The sample was evaluated by tests such as the Autobiographical Memory Test, the Beck Depression Inventory-second edition, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the univariate analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The results of the study revealed a significant difference (p < .01) between SLE patients and healthy individuals in terms of autobiographical memory functioning in retrieving past memories and delay in retrieving memories. A significant difference (p < .001) was also found between SLE patients and healthy individuals in terms of mood. However, no significant difference was observed in terms of cognitive emotion regulation. Based on the results of this study, SLE patients' memory, especially autobiographical memory, and their mood are adversely affected by the disease-related neurological damage.
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Vanderveren E, Bijttebier P, Hermans D. Autobiographical memory coherence in emotional disorders: The role of rumination, cognitive avoidance, executive functioning, and meaning making. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231862. [PMID: 32310993 PMCID: PMC7170248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to construct coherent narratives about significant personal experiences, commonly referred to as autobiographical memory coherence, has been related to various emotional disorders, though insight regarding mechanisms that might underlie this relation is scarce. The present study contributes to this growing body of research by examining the relation between memory coherence and both depression and PTSD and by investigating the role of rumination, cognitive avoidance, executive functioning, and meaning making in that relation in a large-scale community sample. The negative relation between memory coherence and both depression and PTSD could not be replicated, nor could the hypothesized negative relation between memory coherence and both rumination and cognitive avoidance be confirmed. In contrast, results indicated more memory coherence to be related to more rumination. Additional analyses in light of these surprising findings revealed that there was a significant indirect relation between memory coherence and both depression and PTSD-related symptoms through rumination. When the latter was controlled for, memory coherence was predictive of PTSD diagnosis and the hypothesized negative association with cognitive avoidance could be confirmed. In line with predictions, both executive functioning and meaning making were positively related to memory coherence. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elien Vanderveren
- Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Hermans
- Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Zhang Y, Kuhn SK, Jobson L, Haque S. A review of autobiographical memory studies on patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:361. [PMID: 31727046 PMCID: PMC6857214 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders demonstrate various cognitive deficiencies, the most pertinent one being impairment in autobiographical memory. This paper reviews quantitative research investigating deficits in the content, and characteristics, of autobiographical memories in individuals with schizophrenia. It also examines if the method used to activate autobiographical memories influenced the results and which theoretical accounts were proposed to explain the defective recall of autobiographical memories in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between January 1998 and December 2018. Fifty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies implemented the generative retrieval strategy by inducing memories through cue words or pictures, the life-stage method, or open-ended retrieval method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines were followed for this review. RESULTS Most studies reported that patients with schizophrenia retrieve less specific autobiographical memories when compared to a healthy control group, while only three studies indicated that both groups performed similarly on memory specificity. Patients with schizophrenia also exhibited earlier reminiscence bumps than those for healthy controls. The relationship between comorbid depression and autobiographical memory specificity appeared to be independent because patients' memory specificity improved through intervention, but their level of depression remained unchanged. The U-shaped retrieval pattern for memory specificity was not consistent. Both the connection between the history of attempted suicide and autobiographical memory specificity, and the relationship between psychotic symptoms and autobiographical memory specificity, remain inconclusive. Patients' memory specificity and coherence improved through cognitive training. CONCLUSIONS The overgeneral recall of autobiographical memory by patients with schizophrenia could be attributed to working memory, the disturbing concept of self, and the cuing method implemented. The earlier reminiscence bump for patients with schizophrenia may be explained by the premature closure of the identity formation process due to the emergence of psychotic symptoms during early adulthood. Protocol developed for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no: CRD42017062643).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Sara K. Kuhn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota USA
| | - Laura Jobson
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Shamsul Haque
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
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14
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Emotions and beliefs about morality can change one another. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2019; 198:102880. [PMID: 31301575 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2019.102880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A dual-process theory postulates that belief and emotions about moral assertions can affect one another. The present study corroborated this prediction. Experiments 1, 2 and 3 showed that the pleasantness of a moral assertion - from loathing it to loving it - correlated with how strongly individuals believed it, i.e., its subjective probability. But, despite repeated testing, this relation did not occur for factual assertions. To create the correlation, it sufficed to change factual assertions, such as, "Advanced countries are democracies," into moral assertions, "Advanced countries should be democracies". Two further experiments corroborated the two-way causal relations for moral assertions. Experiment 4 showed that recall of pleasant memories about moral assertions increased their believability, and that the recall of unpleasant memories had the opposite effect. Experiment 5 showed that the creation of reasons to believe moral assertions increased the pleasantness of the emotions they evoked, and that the creation of reasons to disbelieve moral assertions had the opposite effect. Hence, emotions can change beliefs about moral assertions; and reasons can change emotions about moral assertions. We discuss the implications of these results for alternative theories of morality.
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Oskis A, Smyth N, Flynn M, Clow A. Repressors exhibit lower cortisol reactivity to group psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:33-40. [PMID: 30639935 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Repressors are well-known to monitor potential psychosocial threats to their self-esteem and self-concept. In research, repressors are traditionally categorised as those scoring low on trait anxiety and high on defensiveness (as measured by social desirability scales). Examining repressors' cortisol reactivity to a group socio-evaluative laboratory stressor could be an important way to extend work on the classic 'repressor dissociation', which proposes that this group experience higher levels of physiological stress, but lower levels of subjective affect, during stressful situations. Research however has focused mainly on repressors' higher, more risk-prone levels of autonomic, rather than hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), reactivity to stressful stimuli. We assessed cortisol reactivity using a group-based acute psychosocial stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test for groups (TSST-G), which required participants to individually perform public speaking and mental arithmetic tasks in front of up to six other group members, as well as an evaluative panel of judges. Seventy-seven healthy young females (mean age ± SD: 20.2 ± 3.2 years) took part, of which 64 met the conventional criterion for a response to the TSST-G (<15.5% increase from baseline sample). The Stress-Arousal Checklist was completed pre- and post-TSST-G. Participants also completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. The latter two measures were used to provide a categorisation of repressive coping style. Participants identified as repressive copers exhibited significantly lower cortisol reactivity during the TSST-G. Repressors also self-reported less subjective stress. These findings provide some evidence against the notion of the repressor dissociation and are discussed in terms of how cortisol hyporeactivity may be a pathway through which repressive coping adversely affects health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oskis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, NW4 4BT, UK.
| | - N Smyth
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - M Flynn
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
| | - A Clow
- Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW, UK
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Himmelstein P, Barb S, Finlayson MA, Young KD. Linguistic analysis of the autobiographical memories of individuals with major depressive disorder. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207814. [PMID: 30475918 PMCID: PMC6258120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by biases in memory, attention, and cognition. The present study utilized the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to examine the content of specific autobiographical memories (AMs) recalled by individuals with MDD during an autobiographical memory task. Methods We examined various features of the text (including use of affective, cognitive, and self-referential terms), as well as their associations with clinical and cognitive features of MDD (depression severity, autobiographical memory specificity, amygdala activity), in 45 unmedicated adults with MDD compared to 61 healthy controls. Results When recalling positive memories MDD individuals used the word “I” less, fewer positive words, more words indicating present focus (present tense verbs), and fewer words overall to describe memories compared to controls. When recalling negative memories, MDD individuals used “I” more, more words indicating present focus, and more words overall to describe memories relative to controls. Depression severity was correlated with word count, the use of “I”, and words indicating present focus in negative memories and inversely correlated with word count and the use of “I” in positive memories. Autobiographical memory specificity was correlated with word count, the use of “I”, and words indicating present focus for positive memories and inversely correlated with the use of “I” and words indicating present focus for negative memories. Limitations Due to the nature of AM recall, we could not control for the number of memories which participants recalled in each mnemonic category. Conclusions Results align with literature implicating rumination and intensive self-focus in depression and suggest that interventions targeting specific word use may be therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Himmelstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Scott Barb
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Mark A Finlayson
- School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Kymberly D Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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McDonnell CG, Nuttall AK. The broad autism phenotype and emotion regulation: The mediating role of autobiographical memory specificity. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Roberts JE, Yanes-Lukin P, Kyung Y. Distinctions between autobiographical memory specificity and detail: Trajectories across cue presentations. Conscious Cogn 2018; 65:342-351. [PMID: 30181070 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory is central to identity and self-awareness, but individuals with depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder tend to have overgeneral memories. Recent research has suggested that the ability to retrieve specific memories and individual differences in the amount of detail in specific memories are independent (Kyung, Yanes-Lukin, & Roberts, 2016). We re-analyzed data from Kyung et al. to test whether these constructs are distinct in terms of their trajectories over cue presentations. Results indicated a U-shaped trajectory for specificity, but a inverted-U trajectory for detail, suggesting a dissociation in which periods of decreasing probability of retrieving specific memories correspond to increasing amounts of detail. Further, trajectories had similar forms when memories included emotional content, but differed for recollections that did not include emotional content. Finally, at the individual level, slopes for specificity and detail across trials were uncorrelated. These findings provide further support for the independence of these constructs.
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Wilson FCL, Gregory JD. Overgeneral autobiographical memory and depression in older adults: a systematic review. Aging Ment Health 2018; 22:575-586. [PMID: 28541754 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1326461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) is a well-researched phenomenon in working age adults with depression. However, the relevance and importance of OGM in older adult depression is not well established. The aim of this review was to synthesise existing literature on OGM and depressive symptoms in older adults under the framework of the Capture and Rumination, Functional Avoidance and Impaired Executive Control (CaR-FA-X) model. METHOD Literature searches were conducted using PsychINFO, PubMed and Web of Knowledge. Eighteen articles were reviewed. RESULTS OGM is elevated in healthy older adults compared to adults of working age, and further elevated in older adults with depression. Evidence supports the role of impaired executive function as a mechanism for OGM in older adults with depression, but no studies measured other components of the CaR-FA-X model (i.e. functional avoidance and rumination). CONCLUSION OGM is prevalent in older adults and more so for those with depression; however, there is no clear understanding of the underpinning mechanisms. It is recommended that future research looks at the role of functional avoidance and rumination, and at the use of memory specificity interventions being developed in the working age adult literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C L Wilson
- a Cossham Memorial Hospital , North Bristol NHS Trust , Bristol , United Kingdom
| | - J D Gregory
- b Department of Psychology , University of Bath , Bath , United Kingdom
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A test of the functional avoidance hypothesis in the development of overgeneral autobiographical memory. Mem Cognit 2018; 46:895-908. [DOI: 10.3758/s13421-018-0810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pietrzak T, Lohr C, Jahn B, Hauke G. Embodied Cognition and the Direct Induction of Affect as a Compliment to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:E29. [PMID: 29495377 PMCID: PMC5867482 DOI: 10.3390/bs8030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We make the case for the possible integration of affect experience induced via embodiment techniques with CBT for the treatment of emotional disorders in clinical settings. Theoretically we propose a possible integration of cognitive behavioural theory, neuroscience, embodied cognition and important processes of client change outcomes such as the therapeutic alliance to enhance client outcomes. We draw from evidence of bidirectional effects between embodiment modes of bottom-up (sensory-motor simulations giving rise to important basis of knowledge) and top-down (abstract mental representations of knowledge) processes such as CBT in psychotherapy. The paper first describes the dominance and success of CBT for the treatment of a wide range of clinical disorders. Some limitations of CBT, particularly for depression are also outlined. There is a growing body of evidence for the added value of experiential affect-focused interventions combined with CBT. Evidence for the embodied model of cognition and emotion is reviewed. Advantages of embodiment is highlighted as a complimentary process model to deepen the intensity and valence of affective experience. It is suggested that an integrated embodiment approach with CBT enhances outcomes across a wide range of emotional disorders. A description of our embodiment method integrated with CBT for inducing affective experience, emotional regulation, acceptance of unwanted emotions and emotional mastery is given. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance as a critical component of the change process. The paper ends with a case study highlighting some clinical strategies that may aid the therapist to integrate embodiment techniques in CBT that can further explore in future research on affective experience in CBT for a wider range of clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Pietrzak
- School Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia.
| | - Christina Lohr
- Embodiment Resource Academy Europa (Munich), 80634 Munich, Germany.
| | - Beverly Jahn
- Embodiment Resources Academy Europa (Leipzig), 04105 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Gernot Hauke
- Embodiment Resource Academy Europa (Munich), 80634 Munich, Germany.
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Rothermund K, Koole SL. Three decades of Cognition & Emotion: A brief review of past highlights and future prospects. Cogn Emot 2018; 32:1-12. [DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2018.1418197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Rothermund
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sander L. Koole
- Department of Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Beaman A, Pushkar D, Etezadi S, Bye D, Conway M. Autobiographical Memory Specificity Predicts Social Problem-Solving Ability in Old and Young Adults. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2018; 60:1275-88. [PMID: 17676558 DOI: 10.1080/17470210600943450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Based on recent research with young, depressed adults, age-related cognitive declines and decreased autobiographical specificity were hypothesized to predict poorer social problem-solving ability in older than in younger healthy adults. Priming autobiographical memory (ABM) was hypothesized to improve social problem-solving performance for older adults. Subsequent to cognitive tests, old and young participants’ specific ABMs were tested using a cued recall task, followed by a social problem-solving task. The order of the tasks was counterbalanced to test for a priming effect. Autobiographical specificity was related to cognitive ability and predicted social problem-solving ability for both age groups. However, priming of ABM did not improve social problem-solving ability for older or younger adults. This study provides support for the hypothesis that autobiographical memory serves a directive function across the life-span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Beaman
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Jumentier S, Barsics C, Van der Linden M. Reduced specificity and enhanced subjective experience of future thinking in ageing: the influence of avoidance and emotion-regulation strategies. Memory 2017; 26:59-73. [PMID: 28470139 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2017.1322108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Future thinking in older adults is characterised by a lack of specificity of imagined events and by an equal or even higher subjective experience, compared to younger adults. We considered whether this lack of specificity stemmed partly from the avoidance of a somewhat disturbing future and then examined the extent to which certain types of emotion-regulation strategies, namely positive reappraisal and positive refocusing, contributed to the subjective experience of future thinking. Middle-aged and older adults completed an adapted version of the AMT, in which temporal distance and cue word valence were manipulated, thus resulting in future conditions assumed to represent varying degrees of discomfort. Results indicate that distant future and negative cues restricted both the specificity and the subjective experience of future thinking. In addition, the use of avoidance strategies predicted the nature of future thoughts in the context of a supposed uncomfortable future (i.e., a distant future induced by negative cues), although it followed quite different age-related patterns. Together with the findings that positive reappraisal and positive refocusing (to a lesser extent) contributed to the subjective experience of future thinking, this study indicates that how individuals imagine their personal future also relies on affect- and emotion-regulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Jumentier
- a Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland.,b Department of Psychiatry , Nîmes University Hospital , Nîmes , France.,c Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Catherine Barsics
- a Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland.,c Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Martial Van der Linden
- a Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland.,c Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland.,d Department of Psychology , University of Liège , Liège , Belgium
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Haye A, Carballo M. James’s theory of emotion and affective turn in psychology / La teoría de las emociones de James y el giro afectivo en psicología. STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/02109395.2016.1268390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) have persistent distressing somatic symptoms that are associated with excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Reduced autobiographical memory specificity (rAMS) is related to a range of emotional disorders and is considered a vulnerability factor for an unfavorable course of pathology. The present study investigated whether the specificity of health-related autobiographical memories is reduced in patients with SSD with medically unexplained dyspnea complaints, compared with healthy controls. METHODS Female patients with SSD (n = 30) and matched healthy controls (n = 24) completed a health-related Autobiographical Memory Test, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Ruminative Response Scale, and rumination scales concerning bodily reactions. Depressive symptoms and rumination were assessed because both variables previously showed associations with rAMS. RESULTS Patients with SSD recalled fewer specific (F(1,52) = 13.63, p = .001) and more categoric (F(1,52) = 7.62, p = .008) autobiographical memories to health-related cue words than healthy controls. Patients also reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and rumination (all t > 3.00, p < .01). Importantly, the differences in memory specificity were independent of depressive symptoms and trait rumination. CONCLUSIONS The present study extends findings on rAMS to a previously unstudied sample of patients with SSD. Importantly, the presence of rAMS could not be explained by increased levels of depressive symptoms and rumination. We submit that rAMS in this group reflects how health-related episodes and associated symptoms are encoded in memory.
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Belcher J, Kangas M. Autobiographical Memory and Imagining Future Personal Events: Event Specificity and Symptoms of Depression and Stress Following Exposure to an Analogue Trauma. Stress Health 2015; 31:419-31. [PMID: 24619847 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether reduced autobiographical memory and future event specificity were associated with elevated depressive and stress symptoms immediately and 1 week following exposure to a trauma film. A non-clinical sample comprising 101 participants completed all phases of the study, which included the following: baseline tests of autobiographical memory and future event specificity; a diary recording intrusions of the film over a 7-day period; and self-report questionnaires assessing depressive, posttraumatic stress and ruminative symptoms 7 days following the trauma film viewing. Overgeneral autobiographical memory was significantly related to deficits in the specificity with which participants imagined future events. Participants who were more specific when remembering past and imagining future events reported less intrusions related to the trauma film over the 7-day period following the film; however, event specificity was not associated with depressive and stress symptoms 7 days later. These findings suggest that reduced past and future event specificity may play a role in the experience of intrusions following the experience of a stressful event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Belcher
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Kangas
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
The Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) is widely used in research contexts to measure the extent to which participants (children or adults) report specific or general memories in response to cue words. Recalling fewer specific and more general memories (overgeneral memory) has been shown to be linked to depression in adults, but findings for youth, in particular, are mixed. Different versions of the AMT may be one contributing factor, yet this issue has received little research attention. The current study investigated the influence of reporting mode (written vs. spoken) on the specificity, length, and content of memories provided by 8- to 10-year-old children (N = 48). No significant differences were found in the number of specific responses given in the written and spoken modes. On the other hand, the spoken mode elicited longer and more detailed memories, although most content differences were eliminated when memory length was controlled. These findings suggest that different reporting modes can influence the nature of the memories reported, but the absolute differences are relatively small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Glynn
- a School of Psychology , Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Karen Salmon
- a School of Psychology , Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand
| | - Paul Jose
- a School of Psychology , Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand
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Ridout N, Matharu M, Sanders E, Wallis DJ. The influence of eating psychopathology on autobiographical memory specificity and social problem-solving. Psychiatry Res 2015; 228:295-303. [PMID: 26144580 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim was to examine the influence of subclinical disordered eating on autobiographical memory specificity (AMS) and social problem solving (SPS). A further aim was to establish if AMS mediated the relationship between eating psychopathology and SPS. A non-clinical sample of 52 females completed the autobiographical memory test (AMT), where they were asked to retrieve specific memories of events from their past in response to cue words, and the means-end problem-solving task (MEPS), where they were asked to generate means of solving a series of social problems. Participants also completed the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. After controlling for mood, high scores on the EDI subscales, particularly Drive-for-Thinness, were associated with the retrieval of fewer specific and a greater proportion of categorical memories on the AMT and with the generation of fewer and less effective means on the MEPS. Memory specificity fully mediated the relationship between eating psychopathology and SPS. These findings have implications for individuals exhibiting high levels of disordered eating, as poor AMS and SPS are likely to impact negatively on their psychological wellbeing and everyday social functioning and could represent a risk factor for the development of clinically significant eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ridout
- Department of Psychology, School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Munveen Matharu
- Department of Psychology, School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sanders
- Department of Psychology, School of Life & Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Deborah J Wallis
- Loughborough University Centre for Research into Eating Disorders, School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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Mendolia M. Repressors benefit from reappraising a threatening emotional event. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2015; 29:80-99. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2015.1015423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Crane C, Heron J, Gunnell D, Lewis G, Evans J, Williams JMG. Adolescent over-general memory, life events and mental health outcomes: Findings from a UK cohort study. Memory 2015; 24:348-63. [PMID: 25716137 PMCID: PMC4743605 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2015.1008014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous research suggesting that over-general memory (OGM) may moderate the effect of life events on depressive symptoms and suicidality has sampled older adolescents or adults, or younger adolescents in high-risk populations, and has been conducted over relatively short follow-up periods. The authors examined the relationship between OGM at age 13 and life events and mental health outcomes (depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation and planning) at age 16 years within a sample of 5792 adolescents participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), approximately 3800 of whom had also provided data on depression and self-harm. There was no clear evidence of either direct or interactive effects of OGM at age 13 on levels of depression at age 16. Similarly there was no clear evidence of either direct or interactive effects of OGM on suicidal ideation and self-harm. Although there was some evidence that over-general autobiographical memory was associated with reduced risk of suicidal planning and increased risk of self-harm, these associations were absent when confounding variables were taken into account. The findings imply that although OGM is a marker of vulnerability to depression and related psychopathology in high-risk groups, this cannot be assumed to generalise to whole populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon Heron
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Gunnell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Mental Health Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Evans
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Kyung Y, Yanes-Lukin P, Roberts JE. Specificity and detail in autobiographical memory: Same or different constructs? Memory 2015; 24:272-84. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2014.1002411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Haque S, Juliana E, Khan R, Hasking P. Autobiographical memory and hierarchical search strategies in depressed and non-depressed participants. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:310. [PMID: 25403551 PMCID: PMC4240842 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-014-0310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of literature showing individuals with depression and other trauma-related disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) recall more overgeneral and less specific autobiographical memories compared to normal participants. Although the mechanisms underlying overgeneral memory are quite clear, the search strategy operated within the autobiographical knowledge base, at time of recollection, requires further exploration. The current study aimed to examine the hierarchical search sequence used to recall autobiographical memories in depressed and non-depressed participants, with a view to determining whether depressed participants exhibited truncated search strategies. METHODS Thirteen depressed and an equal number of non-depressed participants retrieved 15 memories each, in response to 15 commonly used cue words. Participants reported the first memory that entered in their mind. All memory descriptions were recorded and later transcribed verbatim for content analysis. RESULTS Depressed participants retrieved autobiographical memories faster, produced shorter memory descriptions and were less likely to recall positive memories than non-depressed participants. Non-depressed participants were more likely to commence retrieval by accessing lifetime period knowledge followed by general event and event specific knowledge, whereas depressed participants showed a tendency to terminate retrieval at the general event level. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that depressed participants do adhere to the same hierarchical search strategy as non-depressed participants when retrieving specific autobiographical memories, but that they terminate their search early, resulting in overgeneral memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsul Haque
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Eka Juliana
- Department of Psychology, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Rahmattullah Khan
- Department of Psychology & Counseling, Sultan Idris Education University, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Penelope Hasking
- School of Psychology & Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.
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Crane C, Heron J, Gunnell D, Lewis G, Evans J, Williams JMG. Childhood traumatic events and adolescent overgeneral autobiographical memory: findings in a U.K. cohort. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2014; 45:330-8. [PMID: 24657714 PMCID: PMC4053588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overgeneral autobiographical memory has repeatedly been identified as a risk factor for adolescent and adult psychopathology but the factors that cause such over-generality remain unclear. This study examined the association between childhood exposure to traumatic events and early adolescent overgeneral autobiographical memory in a large population sample. METHODS Thirteen-year-olds, n = 5,792, participating in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study (ALSPAC) completed a written version of the Autobiographical Memory Test. Performance on this task was examined in relation to experience of traumatic events, using data recorded by caregivers close to the time of exposure. RESULTS Results indicated that experiencing a severe event in middle childhood increased the likelihood of an adolescent falling into the lowest quartile for autobiographical memory specificity (retrieving 0 or 1 specific memory) at age 13 by approximately 60%. The association persisted after controlling for a range of potential socio-demographic confounders. LIMITATIONS Data on the traumatic event exposures was limited by the relatively restricted range of traumas examined, and the lack of contextual details surrounding both the traumatic event exposures themselves and the severity of children's post-traumatic stress reactions. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study to date of the association between childhood trauma exposure and overgeneral autobiographical memory in adolescence. Findings suggest a modest association between exposure to traumatic events and later overgeneral autobiographical memory, a psychological variable that has been linked to vulnerability to clinical depression.
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Graham B, Herlihy J, Brewin CR. Overgeneral memory in asylum seekers and refugees. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2014; 45:375-80. [PMID: 24799151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies in western samples have shown that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are associated with overgeneral autobiographical memory retrieval. This study assesses whether this association extends to asylum seekers and refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds. We discuss implications for those providing testimony of their experiences when seeking asylum. METHOD 38 asylum seekers and refugees were recruited through clinics and community groups. Clinical interviews assessed PTSD and depression and participants completed a test of autobiographical memory specificity. RESULTS When accounting for omissions, participants with PTSD and depression recalled a lower proportion of specific memories. Those with PTSD also failed more frequently to report any memory. LIMITATIONS The sample did not permit separate evaluation of the effects of PTSD and depression on specificity. CONCLUSIONS Lower memory specificity observed in people experiencing PTSD and depression in western populations extends to asylum seekers and refugees from diverse cultural backgrounds. This study adds to the literature suggesting that being recognised as a refugee fleeing persecution is more difficult for those with post-traumatic symptoms and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Graham
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Jane Herlihy
- Centre for the Study of Emotion and Law, 1 Quality Court, Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1HR, UK.
| | - Chris R Brewin
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
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Trait mindfulness and autobiographical memory specificity. Cogn Process 2014; 16:79-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s10339-014-0631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Dalgleish T, Werner-Seidler A. Disruptions in autobiographical memory processing in depression and the emergence of memory therapeutics. Trends Cogn Sci 2014; 18:596-604. [PMID: 25060510 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Depression is characterized by distinct profiles of disturbance in ways autobiographical memories are represented, recalled, and maintained. We review four core domains of difficulty: systematic biases in favor of negative material; impoverished access and responses to positive memories; reduced access to the specific details of the personal past; and dysfunctional processes of rumination and avoidance around personal autobiographical material. These difficulties drive the onset and maintenance of depression; consequently, interventions targeted at these maladaptive processes have clinical potential. Memory therapeutics is the development of novel clinical techniques, translated from basic research, that target memory difficulties in those with emotional disorders. We discuss prototypical examples from this clinical domain including MEmory Specificity Training, positive memory elaboration, memory rescripting, and the method-of-loci (MoL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK.
| | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
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Skowronski JJ, Sedikides C, Xie W, Zhou X. Changing the working self alters the emotions prompted by recall. Memory 2014; 23:254-67. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2014.882956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Overgenerality memory style for past and future events and emotions related in bipolar disorder. What are the links with problem solving and interpersonal relationships? Psychiatry Res 2013; 210:863-70. [PMID: 23978731 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated patients with Bipolar Disorder's abilities to generate specific past and future events in response to positive and negative cues words as well as emotional intensity related to these ones. The relationships between the number of generated specific events cognitive functioning, interpersonal problems and the ability to problem solving were investigated. Nineteen BD and nineteen healthy controls completed a French version of the AMT to evaluate the past and future events recall, in function of their valence, and emotions related. Furthermore, they completed the Optional Thinking Test, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems and the neuropsychological measures. Compared to healthy controls, BD recollected (1) fewer specific past negative events and (2) fewer future specific positive and negative events furthermore, (3) they felt more emotional intensity related to future events. These results were explained in the light of theoretical models. Finally, specific past memories deficits in BD were linked with issues in problem solving but not with levels of distress arising from interpersonal problems. In view of AM functions in everyday life, all types of deficits should be taken into consideration, and AM remediation envisaged.
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Ritchie TD, Skowronski JJ, Cadogan S, Sedikides C. Affective Responses to Self-Defining Autobiographical Events. SELF AND IDENTITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2013.863222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Xiong K, Zhang Y, Qiu M, Zhang J, Sang L, Wang L, Xie B, Wang J, Li M. Negative emotion regulation in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81957. [PMID: 24349161 PMCID: PMC3862486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the neural mechanisms of negative emotion regulation in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Twenty PTSD patients and 20 healthy subjects were recruited. Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate the modification of emotional responses to negative stimuli. Participants were required to regulate their emotional reactions according to the auditory regulation instructions via headphones, to maintain, enhance or diminish responses to negative stimuli during fMRI scans. Results The PTSD group showed poorer modification performance than the control group when diminishing responses to negative stimuli. On fMRI, the PTSD group showed decreased activation in the inferior frontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule, insula and putamen, and increased activation in posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala during up-regulation of negative emotion. Similar decreased activation regions were found during down-regulation of negative emotion, but no increased activation was found. Conclusion Trauma exposure might impair the ability to down-regulate negative emotion. The present findings will improve our understanding of the neural mechanisms of emotion regulation underlying PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlin Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Medical Image, College of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingguo Qiu
- Department of Medical Image, College of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jingna Zhang
- Department of Medical Image, College of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linqiong Sang
- Department of Medical Image, College of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Image, College of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Hitchcock C, Nixon RD, Weber N. A review of overgeneral memory in child psychopathology. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 53:170-93. [DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nathan Weber
- School of Psychology; Flinders University; Adelaide Australia
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Finnbogadóttir H, Thomsen DK. Review: Does maladaptive repetitive thinking affect characteristics of mental time travel? NORDIC PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/19012276.2013.807664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Sperduti M, Martinelli P, Kalenzaga S, Devauchelle AD, Lion S, Malherbe C, Gallarda T, Amado I, Krebs MO, Oppenheim C, Piolino P. Don't be Too Strict with Yourself! Rigid Negative Self-Representation in Healthy Subjects Mimics the Neurocognitive Profile of Depression for Autobiographical Memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:41. [PMID: 23734107 PMCID: PMC3659304 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autobiographical memory (AM) comprises representation of both specific (episodic) and generic (semantic) personal information. Depression is characterized by a shift from episodic to semantic AM retrieval. According to theoretical models, this process ("overgeneralization"), would be linked to reduced executive resources. Moreover, "overgeneral" memories, accompanied by a negativity bias in depression, lead to a pervasive negative self-representation. As executive functions and AM specificity are also closely intricate among "non-clinical" populations, "overgeneral" memories could result in depressive emotional responses. Consequently, our hypothesis was that the neurocognitive profile of healthy subjects showing a rigid negative self-image would mimic that of patients. Executive functions and self-image were measured and brain activity was recorded, by means of fMRI, during episodic AMs retrieval in young healthy subjects. The results show an inverse correlation, that is, a more rigid and negative self-image produces lower performances in both executive and specific memories. Moreover, higher negative self-image is associated with decreased activity in the left ventro-lateral prefrontal and in the anterior cingulate cortex, repeatedly shown to exhibit altered functioning in depression. Activity in these regions, on the contrary, positively correlates with executive and memory performances, in line with their role in executive functions and AM retrieval. These findings suggest that rigid negative self-image could represent a marker or a vulnerability trait of depression by being linked to reduced executive function efficiency and episodic AM decline. These results are encouraging for psychotherapeutic approaches aimed at cognitive flexibility in depression and other psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sperduti
- Laboratoire Mémoire et Cognition, Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris DescartesBoulogne-Billancourt, France
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Pénélope Martinelli
- Laboratoire Mémoire et Cognition, Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris DescartesBoulogne-Billancourt, France
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Sandrine Kalenzaga
- Laboratoire Mémoire et Cognition, Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris DescartesBoulogne-Billancourt, France
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Lion
- INSERM U894, Service d’Imagerie, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris CitéParis, France
| | - Caroline Malherbe
- INSERM U894, Service d’Imagerie, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris CitéParis, France
| | - Thierry Gallarda
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Isabelle Amado
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
| | - Catherine Oppenheim
- INSERM U894, Service d’Imagerie, Université Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris CitéParis, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Laboratoire Mémoire et Cognition, Institut de Psychologie, Université Paris DescartesBoulogne-Billancourt, France
- INSERM U894, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris DescartesParis, France
- Institut Universitaire de FranceParis, France
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Debeer E, Raes F, Williams JMG, Craeynest M, Hermans D. Operant conditioning of autobiographical memory retrieval. Memory 2013; 22:171-83. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2013.774419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Geraerts E, Dritschel B, Kreplin U, Miyagawa L, Waddington J. Reduced specificity of negative autobiographical memories in repressive coping. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2012. [PMID: 23200428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined memory specificity of autobiographical memories in individuals with and without a repressive coping style. It seems conceivable that reduced memory specificity may be a way to reduce accessibility of negative experiences, one of the hallmark features of a repressive coping style. It was therefore hypothesized that repressors would show reduced specificity when retrieving negative memories. In order to study memory specificity, participants (N = 103) performed the autobiographical memory test. Results showed that individuals with a repressive coping style were significantly less specific in retrieving negative experiences, relative to control groups of low anxious, high anxious, and defensive high anxious individuals. This result was restricted to negative memory retrieval, as participants did not differ in memory specificity for positive experiences. These results show that repressors retrieve negative autobiographical memories in an overgeneral way, possibly in order to avoid negative affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Geraerts
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Debeer E, Raes F, Claes S, Vrieze E, Williams JMG, Hermans D. Relationship between cognitive avoidant coping and changes in overgeneral autobiographical memory retrieval following an acute stressor. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2012. [PMID: 23200429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
According to the functional avoidance hypothesis, overgeneral autobiographical memory, the tendency to retrieve personal memories in a less specific format, might serve an affect-regulating function. Reducing the specificity of memories of negative events may prevent individuals from re-experiencing the associated painful emotions. This cognitive avoidance strategy might not only be employed by depressed and traumatized patients, but also by healthy individuals. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that the increase in memory overgenerality induced by an acute stressor is positively correlated with habitual (cognitive) avoidant coping. Participants (N = 32) were exposed to a Trier Social Stress Test. Cognitive avoidant coping was measured at the start of the experiment by means of the Mainz Coping Inventory. Before, immediately after, and 40 min after the Trier Social Stress Test, autobiographical memory specificity was assessed by means of the Autobiographical Memory Test. Cognitive avoidant coping was significantly correlated with an increase in categoric memories from pre to immediately post stressor, but not with change in overgeneral memories from pre to 40 min post stressor. The results of the present experiment provide further support for functional avoidance as one of the mechanisms underlying overgeneral memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Debeer
- Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 box 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Yanes PK, Morse G, Hsiao CB, Simms L, Roberts JE. Autobiographical memory specificity and the persistence of depressive symptoms in HIV-positive patients: Rumination and social problem-solving skills as mediators. Cogn Emot 2012; 26:1496-507. [DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2012.665028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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49
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Holland CA, Ridout N, Walford E, Geraghty J. Executive function and emotional focus in autobiographical memory specificity in older adults. Memory 2012; 20:779-93. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2012.703210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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50
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Lardi C, Ghisletta P, Van der Linden M. What is the Nature of the Self-defining Memories of Repression-prone Individuals? SELF AND IDENTITY 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2011.603902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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