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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

The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|December 22, 2005
PubMed
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Reduced autobiographical memory specificity is linked to avoidant coping strategies. This suggests that recalling fewer specific memories may be a way to regulate emotions.

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Affect Regulation

Background:

  • Reduced autobiographical memory specificity is hypothesized to be an emotion-regulation strategy.
  • Avoidant coping mechanisms are often employed to manage distress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between autobiographical memory specificity and avoidant coping styles.
  • To determine if less specific memory recall correlates with greater avoidance.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty students participated in the study.
  • Autobiographical memory specificity was assessed using the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT).
  • Avoidant coping was measured using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Cognitive-Behavioural Avoidance Scale, and White Bear Suppression Inventory.

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Main Results:

  • A significant negative correlation was found between autobiographical memory specificity and all measures of avoidant coping.
  • Individuals employing more avoidant coping strategies recalled fewer specific autobiographical memories.
  • These findings remained significant after controlling for memory omissions.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides empirical support for the role of autobiographical memory specificity in affect regulation.
  • Reduced specificity in autobiographical memory appears to be associated with avoidant coping behaviors.