What is it about?
The aim of the study is to examine the effects of induced negative mood state in those with a previous history of depression, studying the phenomenological characteristics of autobiographical retrieval. The term ‘phenomenological characteristics’ is being used here to emphasise the meaning behind the memories being recalled in the autobiographical memory, rather than just the content or memories per se.
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Why is it important?
The findings may prompt future research into targeted interventions that reduce negative effects of mood on personal memories. To date, there is a limited understanding of the interplay between memory, interpretation, and previous history of depression. It is known that bias in memory and interpretation are affected in those with a current depression. The overall findings from this study suggest that some differences exist between those with and those without a history of depression which were only observable in induced negative mood state. The evidence from this study supports theory that, in addition to previous history of depression, a current negative mood state is a necessary condition to measure and observe a change in phenomenological content.
Perspectives
The focus on prevention and coping strategies that directly target mood state effects on autobiographical recall would likely reap benefits to those with a previous history of depression.
Assoc Prof Andrew E P Mitchell
University of Chester
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Phenomenological Characteristics of Autobiographical Memories: Responsiveness to an Induced Negative Mood State in Those With and Without a Previous History of Depression, Advances in Cognitive Psychology, June 2016, University of Finance and Management in Warsaw,
DOI: 10.5709/acp-0190-8.
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