Phenomenology of Autobiographical Memories in the Depressive Spectrum: A review
Abstract
Autobiographical memories are characterized by their recollection experience. While memory and emotion are closely related, studies which aimed to investigate memories phenomenological profiles during affective disorders are quite recent. This paper presents a review of autobiographical memories phenomenological characteristics during depressive spectrum disorders. A literature review was conducted in more than 10 databases: Academic Search Complete, Cambridge Journals Online , Directory of Open Access Journals, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PUBMED, SCOPUS, SwetsWise, Taylor and Francis Online Wiley Online Library; of those articles published during the years 2000-2014 that addressed autobiographical memories phenomenology in individuals with depressive disorders. A total of 13 articles were included for analysis. Current studies conclude that, in the presence of depressive symptoms, positively valence memories are evoked predominantly from an observer perspective, with poor emotional intensity and vitality levels. Furthermore, intrusive negative memories are highly vivid and emotionally intense, accompanied by different sensory components. Preliminary results suggest that phenomenological features, both in positive and negative memories, would be related to the onset and short-term evolution of depressive symptoms. In addition, an overgeneral evocation style, as opposed to a specific evocation, was found associated with the presence of affective symptoms. Considering the links between self and autobiographical memory, and since psychotherapeutic models require individuals to explore their personal past, promoting autobiographical memories specific processing is an important clinical resource. Given the preliminary stage of research, further exploration of memories phenomenology during the presence of affective disorders is warranted.
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