The Overgenerality in Autobiographical Memory: The Investigation of Autobiographical Memory with The Childhood Trauma

Kaynar G., ER N.

TURK PSIKOLOJI DERGISI, vol.30, no.76, pp.1-18, 2015 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 76
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Journal Name: TURK PSIKOLOJI DERGISI
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-18
  • Keywords: Autobiographical memory, childhood trauma, depressive symptoms, overgeneral memories, DEPRESSION, EVENTS, ABUSE, SPECIFICITY, DISORDER, MOOD
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to compare positive, negative and comparison autobiographical memories between two groups who had higher and lower levels of the childhood trauma and to examine mediator role of autobiographical memory in the relationship between the childhood trauma and the adulthood depressive symptoms. For this purpose, the data were gathered from 198 participants aged 18-30 at the first part of the study. The data were gathered from 46 participants with only a history of childhood trauma from 198 participants at the second part of the study. One by one interview held with the participants at this stage. The results showed that participants who had higher levels of the childhood trauma recalled more detailed negative memories but less detailed positive and comparison memories than participants who had lower levels of the childhood trauma. In addition, it was found that the overgenerality were predicted by childhood trauma experiences and levels of avoidance, intrusion; the depressive symptoms were predicted by childhood trauma experiences and levels of avoidance, intrusion and overgenerality. These findings were discussed in the light of autobiographical memory literature.