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Self‐defining memories in post‐traumatic stress disorder
Author(s) -
Sutherland Kylie,
Bryant Richard A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
british journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.479
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8260
pISSN - 0144-6657
DOI - 10.1348/014466505x64081
Subject(s) - psychology , autobiographical memory , traumatic memories , clinical psychology , traumatic stress , emotional trauma , valence (chemistry) , psychiatry , cognition , cognitive psychology , physics , quantum mechanics
Objective. This study investigated the relationship between trauma survivors' goals and retrieval of self‐defining memories in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods. Civilian trauma survivors with PTSD, trauma survivors with no PTSD and non‐trauma‐exposed control participants ( N =49) provided autobiographical memories of events that they believe shaped who they are. Participants also provided details about their major personal goals. Results. Participants with PTSD reported more self‐defining memories that were trauma‐related, negative valence and from adult years than non‐PTSD and control participants. Further, retrieval of trauma‐related self‐defining memories was strongly associated with reporting personal goals that were related to traumatic experiences. Conclusions. These findings are discussed in terms of the proposition that trauma survivors' current concerns may direct retrieval of trauma‐related memories.