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Autobiographical memory and the self-memory system in posttraumatic stress disorder.
Kylie Sutherland1, Richard A Bryant
1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recall more trauma-related memories when prompted by positive cues. This memory recall is linked to a significant gap between their actual and ideal selves.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts cognitive processes, including memory retrieval.
- Understanding the self-memory system is crucial for comprehending trauma adjustment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the connection between self-perception and autobiographical memory retrieval in individuals with PTSD.
- To explore how self-discrepancy influences memory recall in trauma survivors.
Main Methods:
- Recruited civilian trauma survivors with and without PTSD (N=33).
- Administered autobiographical memory recall tasks using positive and negative cue words.
- Assessed self-image using Higgins's Selves Questionnaire to measure self-discrepancy.
Main Results:
- Participants with PTSD retrieved more trauma-focused memories in response to positive cues compared to controls.
- A strong association was found between recalling trauma-focused memories (to positive cues) and a high degree of actual-ideal self-discrepancy.
Conclusions:
- The self-memory system plays a critical role in how individuals with PTSD adjust to trauma.
- Self-discrepancy may mediate the retrieval of trauma-related memories, particularly in response to positive stimuli.
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