Autobiographical Memory Test Research Articles

Different dorsolateral prefrontal activation during an emotionalautobiographical memory task between male and female depressed individuals: a fNIRS study.

Depression in male and female are commonly associated with different prevalence, severity, and, in some cases, distinct syndromes or subtypes. However, only a small amount of research has been conducted to completely understand the underlying neuroanatomical mechanisms. The goal of the current study was to provide neural markers for specific depression therapies by demonstrating the differences in aberrant prefrontal activity between male and female depressed subjects during an emotional autobiographical memory test. The study included 127 young adults who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: male depression (62 participants) or female depression (65 participants). The average oxyhemoglobin levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex throughout the emotional autobiographical memory task were assessed utilizing 53-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy imaging equipment. The oxy-Hb activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) had no significant interaction between groups and emotional valences. A significant main effect was found between male and female, with female depression groups showing lower oxy-Hb activity in lDLPFC and rDLPFC than male depression groups. Male and female depression patients showed distinct brain activation in the DLPFC during an emotional autobiographical memory test, suggesting potential specific neurological indicators for varied somatic symptoms in male and female depression patients. These distinctions should be taken into account while creating preventive measures.

Contextual memory bias in emotional events: Neurobiological correlates and depression risk

BackgroundContextual memory loss of emotional events plays a critical role in depression psychopathology. Individuals with depression, clinical or subclinical, exhibit enhanced and impaired memory for emotionally negative stimuli and context in an event, respectively. This suggests that contextual encoding may fail because of attentional interference caused by concurrent negative stimuli, possibly leading to contextual memory loss as a depression risk. Amygdala–prefrontal connectivity and cortisol may underlie the mechanism; however, the relationships remain unknown. MethodsOne hundred twenty participants, including 34 with subclinical depression, underwent behavioral tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, and saliva collection. Encoding and 24 h later recollection performance of visuoperceptual/spatial/temporal context in a series of events, where fearful (vs. neutral) faces appeared, were measured via contextual memory tasks. Overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM), a more remote form of contextual memory loss, was also assessed via the Autobiographical Memory Test. Amygdala connectivity was measured by fMRI during attentional interference by fearful (vs. neutral) faces to differentiate selective attention from encoding. Basal cortisol levels were assayed through saliva collected at encoding during the visit day and across 2 consecutive days in the following week (12 time points in total). We explored whether contextual memory encoding failure would explain depressive symptoms through OGM under possible moderation of amygdala connectivity and cortisol. ResultsIn individuals with subclinical depression compared to those without, fearful faces disturbed memory encoding of the visuoperceptual context rather than 24 h later recollection, while neutral faces in their temporal proximity contrastingly augmented it. The more the contextual memory encoding bias (fearful vs. neutral) intensified, the more the amygdala’s functional connectivity with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) weakened. Higher total cortisol output tended to be correlated with poorer 24-h later recollection of the temporal context. Moderated mediation effects of the amygdala-vmPFC connectivity and cortisol were not significant; however, contextual encoding bias explained depressive symptoms through negatively valenced OGM. ConclusionsNegative stimuli appearing in an event might impair memory encoding of the visuoperceptual context under attentional interference, represented as weakened amygdala-vmPFC connectivity implicated in emotion-related attentional dysregulation. Conversely, negative stimuli might enhance temporally proximal visuoperceptual encoding after their disappearance. Contextual encoding bias could explain the overgeneralization (or lower coherence) of autobiographical memory and increase the risk of depression. The possible role of cortisol in recollecting the context of emotional events over time warrants further investigation.

Exploring the efficacy of memory specificity training on depression among Iranian adolescents: a comparative analysis of online vs. in-person delivery

Depression in adolescence is common worldwide, with the burden being highest in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the efficacy of in-person Memory Specificity Training (MeST) and computerized MeST (c-MeST) as cognitive training programs aimed at addressing depression among Iranian adolescents. A secondary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of MeST and c-MeST on autobiographical memory specificity, emotion regulation and cognitive control. Ninety Iranian male adolescents (aged 13–18 years) with depression were randomly assigned to three groups; MeST group (n = 30), c-MeST group (n = 30) and the non-active control group (n = 30). Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Autobiographical Memory Test, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Color and Word Test. The groups underwent either MeST and c-MeST. All the assessments were re-conducted after the intervention (post-intervention) and at 1-month post-intervention (follow-up). The in-person MeST group exhibited significantly higher autobiographical memory specificity at post-intervention and follow-up compared to the c-MeST group. Both groups demonstrated significantly lower levels of depression at post-intervention and follow-up. Both groups showed improvements in emotion regulation and cognitive control, which were found to mediate improvements in depression symptomatology. c-MeST and MeST appear promising brief interventions for the treatment of depression among adolescents in Iran.

Negative life events predict depressive trends: the moderating effect of overgeneral autobiographical memory and early parenting behaviour

ABSTRACT The Emerging Adulthood is a complex and chaotic period and depression is one of the main psychological health problems during this period. Overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) is prevalent among patients with clinical depression. However, the prediction of OGM in groups with non-clinical depression and its influencing mechanisms remain inconclusive. Studies have shown that OGM and early parenting behaviour are vulnerable factors of depression in emerging adulthood, which may be triggered by negative life events. Our longitudinal study included 241 participants (M age = 21.88 years). At baseline, participants completed measures of current negative life events, depression, early parenting behaviour and an autobiographical memory test. Thereafter, they were tracked for depression every 35 days. We used the latent class growth model to differentiate levels and trends of depression among non-clinical participants. The analysis showed that the effect of negative life events on depression was moderated by OGM and early parenting behaviour. However, this moderating effect was found only in the low-risk depression group. Our findings indicate that early parenting behaviour might account for the different mechanisms of OGM production in non-clinical groups. Moreover, it underlines the importance of OGM and early parenting behaviour as potential predictors of future depression in non-clinical groups.

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Based on Mental Imagery on Symptoms of Depression and Autobiographical Memory in Adolescents

Introduction: Depression during adolescence can lead to various psychological and social problems that often persist into adulthood. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on mental imagery on depression symptoms and autobiographical memory in adolescents. Method: The present study employed a multiple baseline case study design. The study population included adolescents aged 12-18 who sought treatment at non-governmental psychological clinics in the city of Rasht during the years 1401-1402. The sample size consisted of three participants selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used were the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1996) and the Autobiographical Memory Test (Williams & Broadbent, 1986). Descriptive statistics, effect size, percentage of improvement, and mixed regression were used for data analysis with SPSS 24 software. Results: The results indicated that the cognitive-behavioral therapy package based on mental imagery significantly reduced depression symptoms in adolescents (p < 0.05) and increased meaningful self-report memories while decreasing more general self-report memories (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When individuals approach specific memories through mental imagery instead of avoiding or neglecting them, hidden emotions become apparent, providing the individual with new meanings of those images and contributing to mood improvement. Considering the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on mental imagery on depression symptoms and autobiographical memories in adolescents, it is recommended that healthcare practitioners working with individuals diagnosed with depression take note of the findings of this research.

Autobiographical memory following weight gain in adult patients with Anorexia Nervosa: A longitudinal study.

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) show overgeneralization of memory (OGM) when generating autobiographical episodes related to food and body shape. These memories are central for the construction of a coherent self-concept, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving abilities. The current study aims to investigate changes in autobiographical memory following weight gain. OGM was assessed with an adapted version of the Autobiographical Memory Test including food-, body-, depression-related, and neutral cues. N=41 female patients with AN (28 restricting-, 13 binge-eating/purging-subtype; mean disease duration: 4.5years; mean BMI: 14.5kg/m2) and N=27 healthy controls (HC) were included at baseline. After inpatient treatment (mean duration: 11weeks), 24 patients with AN and 24 age-matched HC were reassessed. Group differences were assessed using independent samples t-tests for cross-sectional comparisons and repeated measures ANOVAs for longitudinal data. At baseline, patients with AN generated significantly fewer specific memories than HC, independent of word category (F(1.66)=27.167, p<0.001). During inpatient stay, the average weight gain of patients with AN was 3.1 body mass index points. At follow-up, patients with AN showed a significant improvement in the number of specific memories for both depression-related and neutral cues, but not for food- and body-related cues. Generalised OGM (i.e., independent of word category) in patients with AN before weight restoration may be a general incapacity to recall autobiographical memory. After weight gain, the previously well-studied pattern of eating disorder-related OGM emerges. The clinical relevance of the continuing disorder-related OGM in patients with AN after weight gain is discussed.

Meta-memory (prediction) of specific autobiographical recall: An experimental approach using a modified autobiographical memory test.

Autobiographical memory specificity is known to contribute to better mental health, social problem-solving, and episodic future thinking. While numerous studies have addressed variables that affect autobiographical memory specificity, little is known regarding the meta-memory processes that underpin memory retrieval. In this study, we introduced two meta-memory constructs, ease of retrieval judgments and anticipation of negative emotion evoked, which potentially affect autobiographical memory specificity. Participants (N = 109) first rated the ease of retrieval and anticipated emotions for positive and negative words used in a subsequent autobiographical memory test. We used the Optional Instructions of the Autobiographical Memory Test, in which participants were instructed that "specific memories are better, but other memories are permissible," allowing them to adjust how much cognitive effort they spent on generative retrieval after a failure of direct retrieval. They also self-judged whether each retrieval was generative (using additional cues with cognitive effort) or direct (immediate recall without much cognitive effort). Results showed that for generative retrieval, ease of retrieval was associated with greater specific and general memories and fewer omissions. A more negative anticipated emotion was associated with fewer specific memories and greater omissions, but was not with general memories. These results suggest that low retrievability and anticipated negative emotion prevent individuals from devoting efforts to generative retrieval. The lack of association between anticipated negative emotion and general memory calls into question the functional avoidance hypothesis regarding autobiographical memory specificity. We discussed how participants judged these meta-memories and directions for future research.

Relationship between personal recovery, autobiographical memory, and clinical recovery in people with mental illness in the acute phase

AimNarratives are important in psychiatric rehabilitation. People with a psychiatric diagnosis find it difficult to recall specific autobiographical memories of events that lasted less than a day. Although personal narratives play a central role in personal recovery, the factors influencing personal and clinical recovery, such as psychiatric symptoms and cognitive function, have not been fully explored. Therefore, this study examined the associations between personal recovery and autobiographical memory, age, psychiatric symptoms, and neurocognitive function. MethodThe Self-Identified Stage of Recovery, Parts A and B (SISR-A, SISR-B), Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), Japanese version of the Brief Assessment Scale of Schizophrenia Cognitive Function, and Brief Psychiatric Symptom Rating Scale were administered to 40 individuals with psychiatric disorders who were undergoing psychiatric rehabilitation. ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between the total number of specific memories in the AMT and total SISR-B scores. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the total number of specific memories, especially high responsiveness to negative cue words, significantly predicted greater personal recovery. Age, psychiatric symptoms, and neurocognitive function did not significantly predict higher personal recovery. ConclusionIn psychiatric rehabilitation, negative episodes should be treated with caution; however, they may also facilitate personal recovery.

Cross-cultural effects of reminiscence therapy on life satisfaction and autobiographical memory of older adults: a pilot study across Mexico and Spain

BackgroundThere are increasing reports on the cognitive and emotional benefits of positive reminiscence therapy in older people. The objective of this study is to assess the differential improvement of the quality of life for older people in different vital situations (three different types of aging) and from different countries by implementing a positive reminiscence therapy program (REMPOS).MethodsThe participants were 144 older adults above the age of 65, 77 participants from Spain (45 experimental groups, 32 control groups) and 67 from Mexico (34 experimental groups, 33 control groups). The participants were recruited from nursing and retirement homes. A factorial randomized design with pre–post measurement with three independent variables: country (Mexico, Spain), condition (experimental, control), and types of aging (healthy aging, HA., mild cognitive impairment, MCI., Alzheimer’s disease, AD). The experimental groups received REMPOS therapy and control groups received standard cognitive stimulation program. The quality of life was measured with the Life Satisfaction Inventory for adults (LSI-A) and autobiographical memory test (AMT) before and after REMPOS therapy.ResultsThe REMPOS intervention showed significantly higher positive effects than the control condition on the recall of specific positive memories across countries and types of aging, except for the Spanish MCI group. Life satisfaction in the Alzheimer’s and MCI group only improved with REMPOS in the Mexican sample.ConclusionsThe REMPOS effects showed generalizable effects across countries, but the cross-cultural differences shown highlight the necessity of running studies to test those differential effects.

P101 Brain Amyloid Burden and Autobiographical Memory in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract Introduction Emerging literature reports an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Established characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease include increased brain amyloid burden and impairment to episodic and autobiographical memory. Investigating these constructs in individuals with clinically confirmed OSA will contribute to understanding of OSA and neuronal implications. Aim The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between brain amyloid burden and autobiographical memory in cognitively-healthy individuals with OSA. Methods Thirty-four participants with OSA (mean age=57.7, SD=8.5, 19 males), and 12 controls (mean age=57.1, SD=8.1, 6 males) participated in the study. Participants underwent a 11C-PiB positron emission tomography (PET) scan to quantify amyloid burden, and an assessment of autobiographical memory. Brain amyloid burden was quantified using the standardised uptake value ratio (SUVR), and the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) was used to assess the ability of participants to recall specific memories from their life. Results Individuals with OSA recalled significantly fewer specific autobiographical memories (M=6.66, SD=2.91) compared to controls (M=10.25, SD=2.09, t(45)=-3.930, p&amp;lt;.001). There was no significant difference in SUVR between groups, t(44)=1.465, p=.150. Recall of non-specific memories was significantly positively correlated with SUVR, r=.331, p=.026. Discussion Levels of brain amyloid burden did not differ significantly between groups however the results support existing literature suggesting amyloid burden is associated with autobiographical memory in individuals with OSA. Longitudinal studies investigating the trajectory of these constructs in the context of disease development should be conducted to further explore the impacts of OSA.

The influence of induced dysphoria on autobiographical memory specificity and social problem solving: Examining the role of executive function

Negative mood induction leads to reductions in autobiographical memory specificity (AMS) and social problem-solving (SPS). The aim was to establish if executive function contributes to changes in AMS and SPS following negative mood induction. Forty-four participants (study 1) completed the autobiographical memory test and measures of executive function (letter & category fluency) before and after a positive or negative mood induction (MI). Forty participants (study 2) completed the means-end problem solving task (MEPS) and (letter & category) fluency tasks before and after a positive or negative MI. In study 1, participants exhibited impaired AMS and fluency performance following a sad MI. Decrease in memory specificity pre-to post-MI was related to reductions in happy mood and letter fluency. In study 2, participants exhibited poorer performance on the MEPS and fluency tasks following a sad MI. Decreases in the number of relevant solutions generated on the MEPS pre-to post-MI was linked to increases in sad mood and decreases in letter fluency. In both studies, the influence of mood became non-significant once the effect of executive function was accounted for, which suggests that changes in AMS and SPS in response to induced mood were related to concomitant changes in executive function.

Effects of mental context reinstatement on accuracy and recollective experience

AbstractObtaining eyewitness accounts after an event can aid criminal investigations. Mental Reinstatement of Context (MRC) is used to improve memory. However, direct comparisons have identified little effects of MRC relative to free delivery with No‐MRC, and little is known about the effects of MRC on subjective memory characteristics and the role of individual differences in autobiographical memory. Here we exposed 234 participants to a naturalistic film and randomly assigned them to either MRC or No‐MRC before requesting written memory reports and memory characteristics ratings. They also answered an autobiographical memory test. MRC participants reported more unverifiable, but not more accurate, details in Free Recall, whereas they performed better in Cued Recall and delivered higher ratings of Reliving, Vividness, Re‐experience, and Emotions, suggesting a richer recall experience, while Belief/confidence and Scene ratings did not differ. Individual differences in autobiographical memory correlated with memory characteristics but not with accuracy performances.

Effect of the emotional valence of autobiographical memory and parental bonding on depressive symptoms in a community sample

Retrospective perceptions of parental bonding may be a protective factor for emotional health. These perceptions are grounded in autobiographical memory, which plays a key role in the onset and maintenance of depressive symptomatology. The aim of the present study was to explore whether the emotional valence of autobiographical memories (positive and negative) and the dimensions of parental bonding (care and protection) have an impact on depressive symptomatology, examining the role of depressive rumination and possible age-related differences. A total of 139 young adults (18–28 years) and 124 older adults (65–88 years) completed the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Autobiographical Memory Test and the Short Depressive Rumination Scale. Our results show that positive autobiographical memories serve as a protective factor for depressive symptoms in both young and older adults. Additionally, in young adults, high paternal care and protection scores are associated with increased negative autobiographical memories, although this association has no effect on depressive symptomatology. In older adults, high maternal protection scores are directly related to greater depressive symptomatology. Depressive rumination significantly increases depressive symptoms in both young and older adults, with an increase in negative autobiographical memories in young adults, and a decrease in such memories in older adults. Our findings progress the understanding of the relationships between parental bonding and autobiographical memory with respect to emotional disorders, which, in turn, will help in the design of effective prevention measures.

Dorsolateral prefrontal activation in depressed young adults with and without suicidal ideation during an emotional autobiographical memory task: A fNIRS study

ObjectivePrevious studies have proved that there is a strong association between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and mood symptoms. This study aimed at using functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology to invest brain activity in dlPFC of depressed individuals with and without suicidal ideation during emotional autobiographical memory test, and to understand their differences in brain cognitive mechanisms. It is helpful to improve our ability to predict and subsequently to prevent suicide. Methods85 young adults participated in the study by a simple random sampling method, with health control (34participants), depression with suicidal ideation (17participants), and depression without suicidal ideation (34participants). The average oxyhemoglobin in dlPFC of subjects during EAMT was collected by a 53-channel fNIRS imaging device. ResultsA marginal significant difference was found between three groups in left dlPFC and right dlPFC. Post hoc analysis revealed that: (1) under negative emotion, depression without suicidal ideation group had higher activation than healthy control group in left dlPFC. (2) under positive emotion, depression with suicidal ideation group had lower activation than healthy control in right dlPFC. ConclusionsResults indicated that the depressed individuals with suicidal ideation had some deficits in executive function in right dlPFC, while the depressed adults without suicidal ideation may have mechanism of resource compensatory recruitment in left dlPFC and the dlPFC abnormality involved in the pathophysiology, may localize within left hemisphere. The depressed individuals with and without suicidal ideation had the different mechanisms in dlPFC and fNIRS can be a neuroimaging biomarker characterizing or predicting suicidality in depressed individuals.

Different retrieval mechanisms of overgeneral autobiographical memory for positive and negative cues in remitted major depressive disorder

Background and objectivesOvergeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) has been shown to occur in depressed and previously depressed populations regardless of the emotional valence of cues. However, recent research has pointed out that the retrieval process underlying OGM, generative retrieval (i.e., retrieval requiring effort or additional information) or direct retrieval (i.e., memory that comes to consciousness without effort or additional information), may differ depending on the emotional valence of cues. We examined the hypotheses that a remitted MDD (major depressive disorder), group compared with a control group, would show (a) more direct retrieval of categoric memories for negative cues, (b) more generative retrieval of categoric memories for positive cues, and (c) less direct retrieval of specific memories for positive cues. MethodsA remitted clinical MDD group (n = 21) and control group (n = 21) completed the Autobiographical Memory Test with minimal instruction, and were required to subjectively judge generative retrieval and direct retrieval. ResultsAs expected, results showed that the remitted MDD group reported more frequent direct retrieval of categoric memory for negative cues and more generative retrieval of categoric memory for positive cues than the control group. LimitationsOur paradigm for distinguishing between generative and direct retrieval relied on subjective judgements. ConclusionsThis extends the findings from student sample in previous studies to a help-seeking population. Increased availability of negative categoric memories and the attenuation of positive specific recall represent vulnerabilities for MDD. We discuss how these findings provide further rationale for memory therapeutics for MDD and refinement of those techniques.

Difficulties in retrieving specific details of autobiographical memories and imagining positive future events in individuals with acute but not remitted anorexia nervosa

IntroductionThe factors that contribute to the maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN) are not fully understood, although it is generally accepted that depression is a core feature and contributes to poor prognosis. Individuals with depression tend to have difficulties in producing specific details of autobiographical memories and future episodes. Our aim was to investigate autobiographical memory and episodic future thinking (EFT) in individuals with AN (n = 46), people recovered from AN (recAN; n = 40), and non-affected controls (n = 35).MethodUsing a remotely administered computerised version of the autobiographical memory test and episodic future thinking task, we measured six aspects of memory retrieval and EFT generation: specificity, detailedness, difficulty in remembering/imagining, positivity, vividness and realism. Memory and EFT cue valence was manipulated; cues were either positive, neutral, or disorder-related/negative. As the production of EFTs is theoretically linked to the ability to retrieve autobiographical memories, the relationship between autobiographical memory specificity and EFT specificity was explored. To investigate whether autobiographical memory and EFT performance were independent of performance on other forms of cognition, working memory, verbal fluency and cognitive flexibility were measured.ResultsPeople with AN had difficulties retrieving specific details of autobiographical memories and rated autobiographical memories as less positive overall, and less vivid when primed by positive cues. People with a lifetime diagnosis (currently ill or recovered) reported greater difficulty in retrieving memories. The AN group generated less positive EFTs, particularly to positive and neutral cues. Comorbid depressive symptoms had some contribution to the observed findings. Lastly, in all groups autobiographical memory specificity predicted EFT specificity.DiscussionProblems with retrieving specific details of autobiographical memories and simulating positive EFTs may be a state feature of AN. Treatments targeted at alleviating depressive symptoms, as well those targeted towards facilitating memory retrieval or reconsolidation, and the construction of positive EFTs, may contribute to hope for recovery and strengthen the sense of self beyond the disorder.

Roles of Trait Mindfulness and Working Memory Capacity in Life Goal and Autobiographical Memory Specificities

Low life goal and autobiographical memory specificities are associated with negative psychological symptoms. Short-term mindfulness trainings can increase life goal and autobiographical memory specificities. The present study extends the literature by investigating whether trait mindfulness is associated with life goal and autobiographical memory specificities. Additionally, because mindfulness trainings improve working memory capacity, which is associated with future episodic specificity and autobiographical memory retrieval, a second aim of this study was to examine whether working memory capacity moderates the relationship between trait mindfulness and life goal and autobiographical memory specificities. 96 participants completed the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, Automated Operational Span task, minimal instructions Autobiographical Memory Test, and Measure to Elicit Positive Future Goals and Plans. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the presence aspect of trait mindfulness and the interaction of the acceptance aspect of trait mindfulness and working memory capacity were predictive for goal specificity. A follow-up simple slope analysis revealed that high acceptance aspect of mindfulness was associated with low goal specificity in participants with a high working memory capacity. However, this association was not present in participants with medium and low working memory capacity. Neither trait mindfulness nor working memory capacity were associated with autobiographical memory specificity. Findings suggest that present-moment awareness enables one to focus on accessing event-specific knowledge, and that an accepting attitude alone cannot help people with high working memory capacity to make more concrete and specific future plans. The lack of association between trait mindfulness and autobiographical memory specificity might be attributed to low specific memories found in this study.

Negative body image and avoidant retrieval of body-related autobiographical memories

ABSTRACT People with a negative body image may be more likely to recall negative memories of their body, but also be motivated to avoid retrieving specific memories to prevent triggering aversive emotions (e.g., disgust). Such inclination to retain at a global level of memory recall may hamper the correction of their negative body image. In previous research using Autobiographical Memory Tests (AMTs) with minimal instructions, we failed to find an overgeneral memory bias specific to individuals with a negative body image but observed low specificity overall in response to body cue words. In the present study (N = 153), we included the traditional AMT next to a minimal instructions AMT and explored the idea that sensory reliving may be relevant to avoidance by assessing sensory reliving ratings next to memory specificity. A negative body image was associated with more negative body memories. In both AMTs, the findings failed to support our prediction that a more negative body image would be associated with lower specificity or sensory reliving. The findings are consistent with the view that autobiographical memories might be an important factor in defining one’s body image, yet cast doubt on the relevance of avoidant retrieval of body-related memories in non-clinical samples.

Depression, But Not Dissociative Experiences, Predicts Overgeneral Memory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis.

Reduced memory specificity (i.e., overgeneral memory) is a characteristic of autobiographical memories widely studied in clinical populations, and it is explained by rumination, functional avoidance, and executive dysfunction. Though the relationship of autobiographical memory specificity with mood and anxiety disorders has been shown, how it relates to dissociation is not well-established. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether dissociative experiences are related to overgeneral memory while considering concurrent depression as a possible confounding factor. We conducted a systematic review in compliance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using autobiograph* and dissoc* as our keywords. Of the 768 studies identified, 9 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between dissociative experiences and depression scores with autobiographical memory test scores. Our research revealed that depression scores, but not dissociative experiences, are significantly related to reduced memory specificity. While the possible overlap between dissociation and depression should be considered in the interpretation of the findings, dissociative experiences do not seem to pose vulnerability for reduced specificity of autobiographical memory. The number of studies on the topic is limited, and they do not have longitudinal follow-ups. The heterogeneous reporting of memory scores and low scores of dissociative experiences in the samples are also limitations of the existing studies.

Autobiographical memory specificity and mnemonic discrimination

Autobiographical memory specificity (AMS) refers to the tendency to recall events that occurred at a particular time and place. We examined the hypothesis that AMS is associated with pattern separation, which is an essential component of episodic memory that may allow us to encode and retain the unique aspects of events. In Study 1 (N = 94) and Study 2 (preregistered; N = 99), participants completed the Autobiographical Memory Test, which measures AMS, and the Mnemonic Similarity Task measuring pattern separation. We coded Autobiographical Memory Test responses conventionally and then further classified the categoric memory responses (i) that contained words indicating repetitions or regularity (e.g., always, often) and (ii) did not contain these words. The pattern separation ability correlated positively with specific memories and correlated negatively with categoric memories lacking those words. We propose to distinguish these two types of categoric memory and discuss the integrative model of autobiographical memory structure.