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Beliefs about Memory Questionnaire: psychometric properties in a natural disaster sample
Lee Kannis-Dymand1,2, Michael Coleborn1, Peter Innes3
1School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Maroochydore DC, Australia.
Memory (Hove, England)
|December 15, 2020
Summary
The Beliefs About Memory Questionnaire (BAMQ) effectively measures beliefs about trauma memory. Higher BAMQ scores predict clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, validating its use in PTSD assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Mental Health Assessment
Background:
- The metacognitive model of PTSD emphasizes the role of beliefs about trauma memory in its development and maintenance.
- Existing theories highlight the significance of memory processes in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- A validated instrument is needed to assess metacognitive beliefs specifically related to trauma memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Beliefs About Memory Questionnaire (BAMQ).
- To examine the relationship between metacognitive beliefs about trauma memory and PTSD symptoms.
- To assess the BAMQ's utility in predicting clinically significant PTSD in a community sample.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 674 adults exposed to natural disasters completed online self-report questionnaires.
- Factor analysis was used to validate the structure of the BAMQ.
- Convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity were assessed, alongside logistic regression for predictive analysis.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis confirmed a two-factor structure (positive and negative beliefs) for the BAMQ.
- The BAMQ demonstrated strong validity, correlating positively with related metacognitive beliefs and PTSD risk factors.
- BAMQ scores significantly predicted clinically significant PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The BAMQ is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing metacognitive beliefs about trauma memory.
- The BAMQ is valuable for predicting clinically significant PTSD symptoms in individuals exposed to trauma.
- Findings support the metacognitive model's emphasis on beliefs about memory in PTSD.
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