Autobiographical memory in posttraumatic stress disorder

This program of research investigated the nature and processes ofautobiographical memory deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study 1examined the proposition that difficulties in the retrieval of specific memoriespresent a risk factor for posttraumatic psychopathology. A prospective study offire-fighters found that a significant predictor of posttraumatic stress was a deficitin retrieving specific memories to positive cues before trauma. Study 2investigated whether autobiographical retrieval deficits in PTSD can be modifiedby psychological treatment. Results found that as PTSD symptoms reducedfollowing treatment, individuals with PTSD retrieved more specific memories topositive cues. Together, these results indicated that specific retrieval deficits topositive cues present a vulnerability factor for PTSD. However, this memory styleappears to be receptive to modification following therapy. Study 3 investigated theassociation between autobiographical retrieval deficits and impaired problemsolvingin PTSD. Participants with PTSD retrieved more overgeneral categoricmemories and took longer to retrieve memories than non-PTSD trauma controls.This deficit was associated with impaired social problem-solving, suggesting thatspecific retrieval is related to successful problem solving. In an analogue design,Studies 4 and 5 investigated the proposition that resource limitations may underpinautobiographical retrieval deficits. Results generally supported the proposal thatreduced cognitive resources may be a mechanism contributing to specific retrievaldeficits. Studies 6 and 7 examined rumination as another possible mechanismresponsible for these retrieval deficits. Study 6 found high anxious participantsretrieved fewer specific memories to positive cues following rumination, comparedto distraction. Study 7 found evidence that negative rumination in the high anxiousgroup increased categoric retrieval, whereas positive rumination had no effect.Study 8 found retrieval of trauma-related self-defining memories was stronglyassociated with personal goals connected to the trauma. Study 9 found thatdiscrepancies in one's self construct were related to the retrieval of traumamemories to positive cues. This program of research extends current theories ofautobiographical memory by identifying risk, maintenance, and recovery factors inthe context of PTSD