1
|
Martino ML, Sebri V, Singer J, Madow K, Giudice AV, Mazzoni D, Freda MF, Pravettoni G. Specificity and integration of meaning in self-defining memories of breast cancer survivors: clinical reflections to promote a narrative identity integration. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1433266. [PMID: 39205968 PMCID: PMC11349666 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1433266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Potential traumatic events, such as breast cancer, can influence autobiographical memory (AM), interrupting the continuity of narrative identity. AM is based on a hierarchical search across different levels of specificity that are indexed from top to bottom when a memory is retrieved. In the breast cancer field, non-specific AMs are an observed clinical phenomenon. In particular, breast cancer survivors report issues related to self-defining memories (SDMs), specific and significant AMs that evoke strong emotions and sensory details at the time of memory. SDMs are linked to life goals and facilitate adaptation to critical experiences, preserving the continuity of identity. This study explored the narrative identity integration process of breast cancer survivors, analyzing themes, specificity, and integrative meaning in SDMs. Ten women participated in an online group support program centered on the integration of AMs linked to the cancer journey. Participants were asked to assess their body image perceptions, filling out an online survey three times, in which they had to report three SDMs each time. A reflexive thematic analysis of the SDMs identified three main themes: the onset of breast cancer; the labeling of negative emotions, and changes in the body. The results indicated inhibited retrieval of specific episodes, fostering a progressive failure in memory characterization and the concurrent meaning-making process. Participants struggled with connecting the memories to insights regarding their self and life, as well as relating the memories to external conditions and other individuals. Further studies might examine the impact of these difficulties on the psychological adjustment of BC long-term survivors. They could also explore cognitive reconstruction by reframing the memories and re-evaluating their traumatic meanings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jefferson Singer
- Department of Psychology, Connecticut College, New London, CT, United States
| | - Katie Madow
- Department of Psychology, Connecticut College, New London, CT, United States
| | - Alice Viola Giudice
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Mazzoni
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO European, Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Contractor AA, Banducci AN, Weiss NH. Critical considerations for the positive memory-posttraumatic stress disorder model. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:81-91. [PMID: 33870586 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) includes changes in processes such as encoding and retrieval for both traumatic and positive memories. However, most work has predominantly focused on traumatic memories. Thus, Contractor and colleagues proposed a Positive Memory-PTSD model, which highlighted potential benefits associated with and mechanisms underlying positive memory retrieval/processing among individuals reporting PTSD symptoms. To enhance research on and clinical impacts of this model, the current review provides critical considerations for the Positive Memory-PTSD model. Drawing from emerging research and clinical observations, we (i) clarify that the model addresses specific versus overgeneral positive memories; (ii) underscore the importance of considering the heterogeneity in, and transitionary nature of, affect processes following positive memory retrieval; and (iii) highlight the rationale for considering trauma type/count and co-occurring conditions, as potential moderators of relations between positive memory processing and PTSD. Hereby, we provide an updated Positive Memory-PTSD model and implications for positive memory interventions drawing from this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne N Banducci
- The National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole H Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
John JE, Nelson PA, Klenczar B, Robnett RD. Memories of math: Narrative predictors of math affect, math motivation, and future math plans. CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
4
|
Nieto M, Navarro-Bravo B, Moreno B, Ocana A, Serrano JP, Boix Gras C, Ricarte J, Fernández-Aguilar L, Ros L, Latorre JM. Functioning of autobiographical memory specificity and self-defining memories in people with cancer diagnosis. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8126. [PMID: 31875144 PMCID: PMC6925954 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive and emotional disturbances have been associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Autobiographical memory is one of the specific cognitive processes affected during this disease. The current study had two main aims: (1) to compare the functioning of autobiographical memory specificity and its related variables (executive functioning, depression and perceived stress) in a group of persons with cancer and a control group; and (2) to analyze whether the experience of cancer evolved into a self-defining memory in the sample of participants diagnosed with this disease. METHOD The study sample comprised 62 participants, 31 in the group with a cancer diagnosis and 31 in the control group. Autobiographical memory specificity, executive functions, depression, stress and self-defining memory were evaluated in the current study. RESULTS Depressive symptomatology and reduced executive functioning, but not perceived stress levels, are related and are predictors of autobiographical memory specificity. In addition, the identified characteristics of the self-defining memories were associated with the cancer experience as a threat to physical integrity and an awareness of the meaning of life. CONCLUSION This emerging research line is especially important in view of its possible impacts on patients' well-being, due to the importance of psychological processes in cancer disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nieto
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Beatriz Navarro-Bravo
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación, Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Albacete, Fundación del Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Albacete, Spain
| | - Beatriz Moreno
- Asociación Costuras en la Piel en Apoyo a la Unidad de Investigación de Cáncer, ACEPAIN, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocana
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, and CIBERONC, Albacete, Spain
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Serrano
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Clotilde Boix Gras
- Centro de salud zona 8, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jorge Ricarte
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Luz Fernández-Aguilar
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Laura Ros
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Latorre
- Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taple BJ, Zabala-Baños C, Jimeno MV, Griffith JW, Ricarte JJ. Examining self-defining memories and aggression in a sample of criminal offenders. Memory 2018; 27:714-722. [PMID: 30537898 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2018.1557209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Self-defining memories (SDMs) are a type of autobiographical memory that people use as a narrative way to explain their self-identity. We sought to examine the relationships between SDMs, aggression, and criminality in a sample of men, 18-64 years of age, recruited in Spain. The sample included three groups: incarcerated criminal offenders with mental illness, incarcerated criminal offenders without mental illness, and healthy community controls. Analyses of the relationship between SDMs and criminal status demonstrated that incarcerated offenders, regardless of mental health status, endorsed phenomenological characteristics of SDMs of their transgressive self at a higher level than community controls. Aggression differed across all three groups, such that inmates demonstrated higher levels of trait aggression than community controls. The associations between aggression and age at event of SDMs did not differ between groups. Further investigation of the relationship between SDMs, aggression, and criminal status may augment understanding of factors of criminality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bayley J Taple
- a Department of Medical Social Sciences , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , USA
| | - Carmen Zabala-Baños
- b Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy , University of Castilla - La Mancha , Toledo , Spain
| | - María V Jimeno
- c Department of Psychology and Criminology Research Center , University of Castilla - La Mancha , Albacete , Spain
| | - James W Griffith
- a Department of Medical Social Sciences , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , USA
| | - Jorge J Ricarte
- d Department of Psychology , University of Castilla - La Mancha , Albacete , Spain
| |
Collapse
|