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Lockrow AW, Setton R, Spreng KAP, Sheldon S, Turner GR, Spreng RN. Taking stock of the past: A psychometric evaluation of the Autobiographical Interview. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:1002-1038. [PMID: 36944860 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02080-x] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory (AM) involves a rich phenomenological re-experiencing of a spatio-temporal event from the past, which is challenging to objectively quantify. The Autobiographical Interview (AI; Levine et al. Psychology and Aging, 17(4), 677-689, 2002) is a manualized performance-based assessment designed to quantify episodic (internal) and semantic (external) features of recalled and verbally conveyed prior experiences. The AI has been widely adopted, yet has not undergone a comprehensive psychometric validation. We investigated the reliability, validity, association to individual differences measures, and factor structure in healthy younger and older adults (N = 352). Evidence for the AI's reliability was strong: the subjective scoring protocol showed high inter-rater reliability and previously identified age effects were replicated. Internal consistency across timepoints was robust, suggesting stability in recollection. Central to our validation, internal AI scores were positively correlated with standard, performance-based measures of episodic memory, demonstrating convergent validity. The two-factor structure for the AI was not well supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Adjusting internal and external detail scores for the number of words spoken (detail density) improved trait estimation of AM performance. Overall, the AI demonstrated sound psychometric properties for inquiry into the qualities of autobiographical remembering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber W Lockrow
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Roni Setton
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | | | - Signy Sheldon
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gary R Turner
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Vermeulen M, Smits D, Boelen PA, Claes L, Raes F, Krans J. The Dutch Version of the Centrality of Event Scale (CES). EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Event centrality is defined as the extent to which the memory of a traumatic event forms a reference point for personal identity and the attribution of meaning to other experiences in a person’s life. The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ) and its relation with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, exposure to traumatic events as defined by DSM-5 trauma criterion A, and negative life events in a student sample ( N = 967). An underlying structure of one factor was found. This factor structure was replicated in two additional independent samples. High internal consistency was found for a 6-item CES. CES scores were positively related to symptoms of PTSD and depression, to the DSM-5 trauma criterion A, and the number of negative life events. The CES made a unique contribution to the explained variance in PTSD symptoms when controlling for depression. However, CES scores were unrelated to depression when controlling for PTSD symptoms, suggesting that event centrality might be more typically related to PTSD, and less to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dirk Smits
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Odisee, University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paul A. Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Laurence Claes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Krans
- Behavior, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Gehrt TB, Berntsen D, Hoyle RH, Rubin DC. Psychological and clinical correlates of the Centrality of Event Scale: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 65:57-80. [PMID: 30138786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Centrality of Event Scale (CES) was introduced to examine the extent to which a traumatic or stressful event is perceived as central to an individual's identity and life story, and how this relates to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In addition, the CES has been examined in relation to a range of other conditions and dispositions. We present a systematic review of the correlates of the CES. Results from 92 publications resulted in 25 measurement categories in the six theoretical domains of trauma, negative affect and distress, autobiographical memory, personality, positive affect, and gender. The mean weighted correlations of the 25 measurement categories ranged from -.17 to .55, with standard errors from .01 to .02, allowing us to distinguish empirically among effects. Consistent with the theoretical motivation for the CES and predictions predating the review, the CES correlated positively with a range of measures, correlating most highly with measures related to trauma, PTSD, grief, and autobiographical memory. The findings show that the CES probes aspects of autobiographical memory of broad relevance to clinical disorders, and with specific implications for theories of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine B Gehrt
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Dorthe Berntsen
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Rick H Hoyle
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, United States
| | - David C Rubin
- Center on Autobiographical Memory Research, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, United States
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The wandering self: Tracking distracting self-generated thought in a cognitively demanding context. Conscious Cogn 2017; 58:170-185. [PMID: 29275845 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated how self-referential processing (SRP) affected self-generated thought in a complex working memory task (CWM) to test the predictions of a computational cognitive model. This model described self-generated thought as resulting from competition between task- and distracting processes, and predicted that self-generated thought interferes with rehearsal, reducing memory performance. SRP was hypothesized to influence this goal competition process by encouraging distracting self-generated thinking. We used a spatial CWM task to examine if SRP instigated such thoughts, and employed eye-tracking to examine rehearsal interference in eye-movement and self-generated thinking in pupil size. The results showed that SRP was associated with lower performance and higher rates of self-generated thought. Self-generated thought was associated with less rehearsal and we observed a smaller pupil size for mind wandering. We conclude that SRP can instigate self-generated thought and that goal competition provides a likely explanation for how self-generated thoughts arises in a demanding task.
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Chukwuorji JC, Ifeagwazi CM, Eze JE. Role of event centrality and emotion regulation in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among internally displaced persons. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 30:702-715. [PMID: 28766372 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1361936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Event centrality and emotion regulation in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been documented in various global samples especially in Western cultures; but internally displaced persons (IDPs) still constitute an underrepresented population in psychotraumatology literature. This study tested the roles of event centrality and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) in PTSD symptoms among IDPs in Nigeria. DESIGN The multi-group cross-sectional design was adopted. METHODS Tiv language versions of the Centrality of Events Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire were completed by 859 IDPs in two camps located in Benue State, North-central region of Nigeria. RESULTS Hierarchical multiple linear regression results indicated that event centrality positively predicted PTSD symptoms. Cognitive reappraisal was a negative predictor of PTSD symptoms while expressive suppression was a positive predictor of PTSD symptoms. Bonferroni corrections indicated that expressive suppression was the strongest predictor of total PTSD symptoms, avoidance/numbing symptoms, and hyper-arousal symptoms; but event centrality was the most robust predictor of PTSD intrusion/re-experiencing symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings underscore recent developments in psychotraumatology indicating that the extent to which individual differences impact the development of PTSD is essential in clinical psychology research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John E Eze
- a Department of Psychology , University of Nigeria , Nsukka , Nigeria
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Schönfeld S, Ehlers A. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Autobiographical Memories in Everyday Life. Clin Psychol Sci 2017; 5:325-340. [PMID: 28781928 PMCID: PMC5528199 DOI: 10.1177/2167702616688878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from self-reports and laboratory studies suggests that recall of nontrauma autobiographical memories may be disturbed in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but investigations in everyday life are sparse. This study investigated unintentional nontrauma and trauma memories in trauma survivors with and without PTSD (N = 52), who kept an autobiographical memory diary for a week. We investigated whether unintentional nontrauma memories show an overgeneral memory bias and further memory abnormalities in people with PTSD, and whether unintentional trauma memories show distinct features. Compared to the no-PTSD group, the PTSD group recorded fewer nontrauma memories, which were more overgeneral, more often from before the trauma or related to the trauma, were perceived as distant, and led to greater dwelling. Trauma memories were more vivid, recurrent, and present and led to greater suppression and dwelling. Within the PTSD group, the same features distinguished trauma and nontrauma memories. Results are discussed regarding theories of autobiographical memory and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke Ehlers
- King’s College London
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
- Oxford NIHR Cognitive Health Clinical Research Facility
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Matsumoto N, Mochizuki S. Effects of self-relevant cues and cue valence on autobiographical memory specificity in dysphoria. Cogn Emot 2016; 31:607-615. [DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2015.1129312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Matsumoto
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Tennodai, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mochizuki
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba City, Tennodai, Japan
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Harris LS, Block SD, Ogle CM, Goodman GS, Augusti EM, Larson RP, Culver MA, Pineda AR, Timmer SG, Urquiza A. Coping style and memory specificity in adolescents and adults with histories of child sexual abuse. Memory 2015; 24:1078-90. [DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2015.1068812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hamlat EJ, Connolly SL, Hamilton JL, Stange JP, Abramson LY, Alloy LB. Rumination and overgeneral autobiographical memory in adolescents: an integration of cognitive vulnerabilities to depression. J Youth Adolesc 2014; 44:806-18. [PMID: 24449170 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-014-0090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
During adolescence, rates of depression dramatically increase and girls become twice as likely as boys to develop depression. Research suggests that overgeneral autobiographical memory and rumination are vulnerability factors for depressive symptoms in adolescence that may be triggered by stressful life events. The current longitudinal study included 160 early adolescents (Mage = 12.44 years, 60.0 % African American, 40.0 % Caucasian, and 56.2 % female). At baseline, adolescents completed measures of current depressive symptoms, rumination, and specificity of autobiographical memories. Approximately 9 months later, the adolescents completed measures of current depressive symptoms and stressful life events that had occurred between baseline and follow-up. Analyses indicated that girls with more overgeneral autobiographical memories in combination with higher levels of rumination were most vulnerable to experiencing increases in depressive symptoms following stressful life events. Additionally, retrieving more specific autobiographical memories appeared to buffer against the impact of negative life events on depressive symptoms among both boys and girls. Memory specificity may play a protective role in depression risk, suggesting that memory specificity training interventions may prove beneficial for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa J Hamlat
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, 1701 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA,
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