POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND OVER GENERAL AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Abstract

Objectives: The present study assesses over general autobiographical memories (OGMs) and specific autobiographical memories (SAMs) in PTSD patients and healthy controls by cueing through different words, images and odor cues.

Design of study: The between subject randomized post -test only experimental design was conducted in the study

Place and Duration of the Study: Fountain House, Lahore

Subjects and Method: Sample of the study (N=50) participants: PTSD Participants (M=15, F=10) and non- PTSD controls (M=20, F=05) participants. For assignment of participants to treatment and control groups, block randomization was done using MS Excel. The level of PTSD was assessed through the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder checklist. Manipulation was done through presenting participants with images, words and odor cues in response to which they were asked to produce specific memories using the Autobiographical Memory Test. Memories were rated as being specific or generalized by a panel of three psychologists. Reaction time estimates were also taken using DM DX Auto mode Software. 

Results and Conclusion: Findings of the study show that is highly related with number of over-general autobiographical memories (r =.76, p < .01).Further analysis indicates negative correlation between PTSD and Specific Autobiographical memories (r =-.59, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis results show that PTSD (B=.053, p <.01) significantly predicted over general autobiographical memories. Thus, present research indicated that PTSD is a causal factor that leads to impairment in the retrieval of specific autobiographical memories. It was also found that individuals with PTSD tend to show longer reaction times.