Remoteness and Valence of Autobiographical Memory in Depression

Abstract

We examined whether major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with a tendency to recall more remote, specific autobiographical memories, particularly in the context of positive memories. To this end, individuals with MDD (n = 26) and healthy controls (n = 54) completed the Autobiographical Memory Test. Consistent with the hypothesis, remoteness of specific memories in the MDD group, but not the control group, depended on valence. Compared to the control group, the MDD group recalled more remote positive events. Additionally, the MDD group’s positive specific memories were significantly more remote than their negative specific memories. Retrieving remote positive memories might impair mood regulation and maintain an individual’s negative mood and perpetuate depression.