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Autobiographical memory functioning among abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated children: the overgeneral memory effect
Author(s) -
Valentino Kristin,
Toth Sheree L.,
Cicchetti Dante
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02072.x
Subject(s) - autobiographical memory , psychology , recall , developmental psychology , childhood memory , child abuse , psychopathology , cognitive psychology , poison control , clinical psychology , human factors and ergonomics , cognition , semantic memory , psychiatry , medicine , environmental health
Background: This investigation addresses whether there are differences in the form and content of autobiographical memory recall as a function of maltreatment, and examines the roles of self‐system functioning and psychopathology in autobiographical memory processes. Methods: Autobiographical memory for positive and negative nontraumatic events was evaluated among abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated school‐aged children. Results: Abused children’s memories were more overgeneral and contained more negative self‐representations than did those of the nonmaltreated children. Negative self‐representations and depression were significantly related to overgeneral memory, but did not mediate the relation between abuse and overgeneral memory. Conclusions: The meaning of these findings for models of memory and for the development of overgenerality is emphasized. Moreover, the clinical implications of the current research are discussed.