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Visuospatial context learning and configuration learning is associated with analogue traumatic intrusions
Thomas Meyer1, Julie Krans2, Vanessa van Ast3
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|July 29, 2016
Summary
Stronger memory contextualization, the ability to embed memories in their visual context, protected against developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) analogue symptoms and intrusions after viewing a distressing film.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Cognitive theories of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) link intrusions to poor visuospatial memory embedding.
- Efficient encoding of contextual information may offer protection against intrusive memories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if visuospatial memory contextualization protects against PTSD symptoms.
- To examine the role of spatial configuration learning in PTSD analogue symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Assessed individual differences in spatial configuration learning and memory contextualization in 81 healthy participants.
- Participants viewed a distressing film, followed by assessment of intrusions and PTSD analogue symptoms.
Main Results:
- Stronger memory contextualization was associated with fewer intrusions and PTSD analogue symptoms.
- Spatial configuration learning did not correlate with memory contextualization but predicted more intrusions.
Conclusions:
- The ability to integrate memories within their visual learning context appears to protect against PTSD symptom development.
- Findings suggest memory contextualization as a potential protective factor against trauma-related symptoms.
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