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Published on: November 14, 2018
The effects of imagery on problem-solving ability and autobiographical memory.
Ashley A Dennis1, Arlene Astell, Barbara Dritschel
1School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, South St, St Andrews KY16 8QZ, UK.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|December 4, 2012
Summary
Imagery during social problem-solving (SPS) did not enhance skills or memory specificity in dysphoric students. Dysphoric students found specific autobiographical memories (ABM) less helpful for SPS, unlike non-dysphoric students.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicated imagery enhances autobiographical memory (ABM) specificity and social problem-solving (SPS) skills.
- The role of imagery in SPS, particularly for dysphoric individuals, remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if imagery during SPS improves SPS skill, perceived SPS ability, and ABM specificity in dysphoric students.
- To examine the correlation between memory specificity, perceived SPS ability, and SPS skill.
- To explore differences in memory recall and helpfulness perception between dysphoric and non-dysphoric students during SPS.
Main Methods:
- Dysphoric and non-dysphoric students completed a modified Means-End Problem-Solving task with either a verbal or imagery focus.
- Participants reported on ABMs retrieved during problem-solving and rated solution effectiveness.
- Questionnaires assessed perceived SPS ability and ABM specificity.
Main Results:
- Contrary to hypotheses, an imagery focus did not improve SPS skill or perceived effectiveness.
- The imagery group recalled more overgeneral autobiographical memories (ABM), differing from prior findings.
- ABM specificity did not correlate with SPS skill.
Conclusions:
- Imagery during SPS may not benefit skill acquisition or memory specificity in dysphoric students.
- Dysphoric students perceived specific memories as less helpful for SPS, suggesting a potential link to functional avoidance strategies.
- Findings challenge previous research and highlight differential perceptions of memory helpfulness based on dysphoria levels.
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