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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
Stability of affect associated with autobiographical memories
Outi Poutanen1, Aino K Mattila, Raimo K R Salokangas
1University of Tampere Medical School, Tampere University Hospital, Psychiatric Clinic, Finland. outi.poutanen@uta.fi
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|November 27, 2008
Summary
Affective responses to childhood memories can change over time, especially in individuals experiencing depression. Nearly half of participants showed changes, highlighting the dynamic nature of these recollections in long-term studies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Childhood family atmosphere is a significant factor in psychotherapy.
- The stability of affect linked to autobiographical memories requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the stability of affect associated with autobiographical memories over a 7-year period.
- To examine the relationship between changes in affect and depression.
Main Methods:
- A 7-year follow-up study involving 414 primary care and psychiatric outpatients.
- Patients completed the self-inquiry Depression Scale (DEPS) and answered questions about their childhood family atmosphere at baseline and follow-up.
- Cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses were employed to analyze changes in affect and their association with depressiveness.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of the sample reported at least one change in their affective responses to childhood memories.
- Younger age and male gender were significant predictors of these changes.
- Depressiveness was associated with changes in the perception of a "miserable" childhood home affect.
Conclusions:
- Affect associated with autobiographical memories demonstrates variability over extended periods.
- The interplay between depression and changes in memory affect is complex.
- The significant frequency of affective changes necessitates consideration in psychotherapy and life-course research.
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