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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
Reduced autobiographical memory specificity as an avoidant coping style
Dirk Hermans1, Annemie Defranc, Filip Raes
1Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Belgium. dirk.hermans@psy.kuleuven.be
Objective:
Previous studies suggest that reduced autobiographical memory specificity might serve as a way of regulating affect. This study examined the relationship between autobiographical memory specificity and avoidant coping.
Method:
Sixty students completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). Different types of avoidant coping were assessed using questionnaires: the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Cognitive-Behavioural Avoidance Scale and the White Bear Suppression Inventory.
Results:
For all questionnaires, a significant correlation was observed between the number of specific responses on the AMT and an avoidant coping style. More avoidance was associated with fewer specific answers. These correlations remained when corrected for number of omissions.
Conclusion:
The results provide further evidence for the affect-regulating quality of autobiographical memory specificity.
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