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Autobiographical memory in diabetes mellitus patients
1School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|February 22, 2001
Summary
Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) struggle to recall positive memories, impacting their adjustment. This impaired memory retrieval is linked to their health locus of control.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Endocrinology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Adjustment to chronic conditions like insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is complex.
- Autobiographical memory plays a potential role in psychological adjustment to illness.
- Limited research exists on autobiographical memory patterns in IDDM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autobiographical memory patterns in patients with IDDM.
- To compare memory recall in IDDM patients versus healthy controls.
- To explore associations between memory retrieval and health locus of control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Autobiographical Memory Test for memory assessment.
- Administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Survey (MHLCS).
- Compared 15 IDDM patients with 15 healthy control participants.
Main Results:
- IDDM patients demonstrated impaired access to specific positive memories.
- IDDM patients exhibited longer retrieval times for memories compared to controls.
- Poorer memory retrieval in IDDM was correlated with higher scores on the MHLCS-Powerful Others scale.
Conclusions:
- Impaired recall of positive autobiographical experiences is associated with poorer adjustment to IDDM.
- Health locus of control, particularly belief in powerful others, may influence memory retrieval in IDDM.
- Findings highlight the importance of positive memory recall for managing IDDM.