Escaping from Revulsion - Disgust and Escape in Response to Body-Relevant Autobiographical Memories

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula von Spreckelsen ◽  
Ineke Wessel ◽  
Klaske A. Glashouwer ◽  
Peter J. de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Image Features ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Negative Body Image ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Concrete Body ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Self Schema ◽  
Cue Words

The term Repulsive Body Image (RBI) refers to a schematic construct combining body-directed self-disgust and other negative body image features. As a self-schema, the RBI is assumed to bias information processing, including autobiographical memory retrieval. When specific memories about the own body are retrieved in a direct (automatic) fashion, intense self-disgust may arise. This may trigger attempts to escape from those memories which, in turn, might further strengthen the RBI. We asked 133 women with high (H-RBI; n = 63) and low (L-RBI; n = 70) levels of habitual body-directed self-disgust to recall autobiographical memories in response to 11 concrete body-related cue words in a minimal instructions Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT). Despite an overall low level of memory specificity, we found that RBI levels were associated with stronger disgust reactions and stronger tendencies to escape from body-related memories. In addition, increased disgust reactions to body-related memories accounted for the association between habitual levels of self-disgust and increased tendencies to escape from these memories. Thus, the findings indicated that women with body image concerns showed disgust-based escape from body-related memories. This disgust-based inclination to avert from body-related autobiographical memories might counteract the correction of an RBI, thereby contributing to the persistence of body image concerns and associated psychopathology.

scholarly journals Preprint Averting Repulsion? Body-Directed Self-Disgust and Autobiographical Memory Retrieval

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula von Spreckelsen ◽  
Ineke Wessel ◽  
Klaske A. Glashouwer ◽  
Peter J. de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Memory Retrieval ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Schematic Representation ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Cue Words

The repulsive body image (RBI) describes a schematic representation of the own body marked by body-directed self-disgust and other body image concerns. This RBI may bias autobiographical memory processing towards RBI-congruent memories, which would be expected to be overgeneral, because disgust may promote the avoidance of specific memories. In the current study, women with high (HRBI; n = 61) and low (LRBI; n = 64) RBI levels retrieved memories in response to abstract body-related cue words in a minimal instructions Autobiographical Memory Test. Compared to the LRBI group, the HRBI group recalled a higher number of autobiographical memories that involved appraisals of the own body as disgusting, and reported elevated habitual tendencies to prevent experiencing disgust towards the own body. Neither RBI scores nor tendencies to prevent experiencing body-related disgust were found to be statistically significant predictors of memory specificity. In light of the low memory specificity in the whole sample, more sensitive measures of autobiographical memory specificity may be needed to examine disgust-driven avoidance at the memory level. Nevertheless, the current results may indicate that disgust-related memories and the prevention of experiencing disgust towards the own body could play a role in the persistence of body image concerns.

Specificity and detail in autobiographical memory retrieval: A multi-site (re)investigation.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David John Hallford ◽  
Tom Joseph Barry ◽  
Eline Belmans ◽  
Filip Raes ◽  
Sam Dax ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Memory Retrieval ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Specific Event ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Cue Words

This investigation examined conflicting suggestions regarding the association between problems retrieving specific autobiographical memories and the tendency to retrieve the details of these memories. We also examined whether these tendencies are differentially related to depression symptoms. U.S., Belgian, Hong Kong and Japanese participants retrieved memories related to cue words. Responses were coded for if they referred to a specific event (i.e., an event lasting less than 24 hours) and their details (What? Where? Who?). Across sites, and in meta-analyses, the retrieval of more specific memories was associated with retrieval of more details. Memories that were specific included more detail than non-specific memories. Across sites, retrieval of more specific memories and more detail was associated with less severe depression symptoms. Episodic specificity and detailedness are related but separable constructs. Future investigations of autobiographical memory specificity, and methods for alleviating problematic specificity, should consider measures of episodic detailedness.

scholarly journals A review of autobiographical memory studies on patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujia Zhang ◽  
Sara K. Kuhn ◽  
Laura Jobson ◽  
Shamsul Haque
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Autobiographical Memory Specificity ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders demonstrate various cognitive deficiencies, the most pertinent one being impairment in autobiographical memory. This paper reviews quantitative research investigating deficits in the content, and characteristics, of autobiographical memories in individuals with schizophrenia. It also examines if the method used to activate autobiographical memories influenced the results and which theoretical accounts were proposed to explain the defective recall of autobiographical memories in patients with schizophrenia. Methods PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between January 1998 and December 2018. Fifty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies implemented the generative retrieval strategy by inducing memories through cue words or pictures, the life-stage method, or open-ended retrieval method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines were followed for this review. Results Most studies reported that patients with schizophrenia retrieve less specific autobiographical memories when compared to a healthy control group, while only three studies indicated that both groups performed similarly on memory specificity. Patients with schizophrenia also exhibited earlier reminiscence bumps than those for healthy controls. The relationship between comorbid depression and autobiographical memory specificity appeared to be independent because patients’ memory specificity improved through intervention, but their level of depression remained unchanged. The U-shaped retrieval pattern for memory specificity was not consistent. Both the connection between the history of attempted suicide and autobiographical memory specificity, and the relationship between psychotic symptoms and autobiographical memory specificity, remain inconclusive. Patients’ memory specificity and coherence improved through cognitive training. Conclusions The overgeneral recall of autobiographical memory by patients with schizophrenia could be attributed to working memory, the disturbing concept of self, and the cuing method implemented. The earlier reminiscence bump for patients with schizophrenia may be explained by the premature closure of the identity formation process due to the emergence of psychotic symptoms during early adulthood. Protocol developed for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no: CRD42017062643).

The Cue-dependency of the “Reminiscence Bumps” in Autobiographical Memory and Memory for Public Events

2019 ◽  
pp. 160-182
Author(s):  
Jonathan Koppel ◽  
Dorthe Berntsen
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Large Role ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Public Events ◽  
Reminiscence Bump ◽  
Retrieval Processes ◽  
Temporal Location ◽  
Disproportionate Number ◽  
Cue Words

The reminiscence bump most commonly refers to the disproportionate number of autobiographical memories, in adults aged ≥40 years, dating from youth and early adulthood. Whereas the bump in autobiographical memory has primarily been studied by psychologists, it has been paralleled in the sociology literature in a spike in recall for public events that occurred at a similar period of the lifespan. This chapter reviews findings illustrating that the temporal location of the bump (in autobiographical memory) and the frequency with which it is found (in memory for public events) vary according to the cueing method used to elicit the memories. For instance, in autobiographical memory, the bump is earlier when memories are elicited through cue words than when memories are elicited through requests for important memories. In memory for public events, the bump is more frequently attained when recall is tested through open-ended recall than when it is tested through knowledge tests. It is argued that these findings indicate that retrieval processes play a large role in the bump in each domain, and therefore challenge most existing theoretical accounts, which stress encoding processes. The relevant retrieval processes in each domain are then discussed. Finally, the implications of the reviewed findings, in particular those concerning autobiographical memory, are discussed as they relate to models of the organization of autobiographical memory.

Spousal influence: A study of women with eating and body image concerns

2019 ◽  
pp. 135910531987394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C Birmingham ◽  
Adriane Q Cavallini ◽  
Jordan Sgro
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Supportive Relationships ◽  
Negative Body Image ◽  
Eating Disordered ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Spousal Influence ◽  
Mixed Messages ◽  
Eating Disorder Behaviors

Eating disorder literature often overlooks those exhibiting eating and body image concerns without an eating disorder diagnosis. Supportive spouses may ameliorate negative body image and eating behavior, but spouses who exhibit both supportive and non-supportive behaviors concurrently (ambivalent) may send mixed messages. Eating disorder behaviors and spousal interactions were assessed in 61 women who demonstrated eating disordered behavior and body dissatisfaction but were not clinically diagnosed with an eating disorder. Spouses mostly provided messages of reassurance. However, some women were unable to overcome their internalized negative body image. Feelings of social comparison were seen with ambivalent spouses. Supportive relationships may be protective, but actual interventions may be needed to change negative body image.

Individual differences in language experience and bilingual autobiographical memory

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1180-1194
Author(s):  
Jessica G Cox ◽  
Gian M Zlupko
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
English Language ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Cue Words

Purpose: This study investigates factors underlying recall of autobiographical memories by considering multiple dimensions of bilingualism (e.g., proficiency, frequency of use), rather than treating it as a monolithic construct. Specifically, we investigated what factors predicted recall of memories in which the language of encoding did not match the language of the task, a recall phenomenon that, by definition, only occurs with bilingual individuals. Design: Spanish/English heritage bilinguals viewed cue words in English to prompt recall of autobiographical memories and narrated those memories out loud, then stated in what language the original events had occurred. Data and Analysis: The dataset consists of 18 narratives from each of 37 participants. Mixed-effects models determined which aspects of the heritage bilingual experience predicted recall of memories in which language of encoding and task did not match. Findings/Conclusions: More frequent use of Spanish and having been born outside the USA predicted more Spanish-language memories retrieved in an English-language task. Interestingly, Spanish proficiency, English age of acquisition, and the type of cue word (object, action, or emotion) did not have effects. Results are discussed in terms of language use and language skill, as well as the importance of considering the specific nature of the bilingual experience. Originality: This study follows calls to take a multifaceted approach to empirical studies of bilingualism and is innovative in its use of mixed-level models to do so. Significance/Implications: By analyzing multiple factors that contribute to bilingual experiences, we are able to better state what exactly it is about bilinguals that affects – or does not affect – cognition, including autobiographical memory. The results will allow us to be more precise in advising policy and practice, such as in bilingual education.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Parent and Adolescent Autobiographical Memory Specificity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brandan Letham
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Specific Detail ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Autobiographical Memory Specificity ◽  
Important Relationship ◽  
The Relationship

<p>The ways we remember our past have been demonstrated to have important implications regarding our psychological functioning (Waters, 2014). Research suggests parents scaffold early remembering skills which can shape the amount of specific detail children can recall from their autobiographical memories (Autobiographical Memory Specificity; AMS) (Reese & Fivush, 1993; Reese, Haden, & Fivush, 1993; Valentino et al., 2014). The current study investigated whether parents and their adolescent children display similar patterns of AMS. In addition, previous literature has predominately utilised only one measure of AMS – the Autobiographical Memory Test (Williams & Broadbent, 1986). A critique of this measure and an argument for adopting a new measure of AMS is provided. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between parent and adolescent rumination which has been shown to share an important relationship with AMS (Williams et al., 2007) and, like AMS, is suggested to be socialised early in the life span (Nolen-Hoeksema, Wisco, & Lyuboirsky, 2008). Sixty-seven parent-adolescent dyads were recruited, and measures of AMS and rumination were administered. A significant positive relationship between parent and adolescent rumination was found, however, the relationships between parent and adolescent AMS were non-significant. Implications regarding existing theory, limitations, and ideas for future research are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Parent and Adolescent Autobiographical Memory Specificity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Brandan Letham
Keyword(s):  
Autobiographical Memory ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Autobiographical Memories ◽  
Specific Detail ◽  
Memory Specificity ◽  
Autobiographical Memory Specificity ◽  
Important Relationship ◽  
The Relationship

<p>The ways we remember our past have been demonstrated to have important implications regarding our psychological functioning (Waters, 2014). Research suggests parents scaffold early remembering skills which can shape the amount of specific detail children can recall from their autobiographical memories (Autobiographical Memory Specificity; AMS) (Reese & Fivush, 1993; Reese, Haden, & Fivush, 1993; Valentino et al., 2014). The current study investigated whether parents and their adolescent children display similar patterns of AMS. In addition, previous literature has predominately utilised only one measure of AMS – the Autobiographical Memory Test (Williams & Broadbent, 1986). A critique of this measure and an argument for adopting a new measure of AMS is provided. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between parent and adolescent rumination which has been shown to share an important relationship with AMS (Williams et al., 2007) and, like AMS, is suggested to be socialised early in the life span (Nolen-Hoeksema, Wisco, & Lyuboirsky, 2008). Sixty-seven parent-adolescent dyads were recruited, and measures of AMS and rumination were administered. A significant positive relationship between parent and adolescent rumination was found, however, the relationships between parent and adolescent AMS were non-significant. Implications regarding existing theory, limitations, and ideas for future research are discussed.</p>

scholarly journals The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Bellard ◽  
Cosimo Urgesi ◽  
Valentina Cazzato
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Negative Body Image ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Bodily Appearance ◽  
Self Recognition ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Original Size ◽  
Body Recognition

Abstract Purpose: Despite the fact that ageing causes dramatic changes in bodily appearance, little is known about how self-body recognition changes across life span. Here, we investigated whether older, compared to younger women, differed in the ability of recognising their own than other women’s body parts and whether this effect was associated to negative body image dispositions. Methods: Twenty-eight young (Mage: 25.93 yrs, SDage = 4.74) and 25 middle-aged (Mage: 54.36 yrs, SDage = 4.54) women completed an implicit task consisting in visual matching of self and others’ body parts and an explicit self-other body discrimination task. Stimuli comprised of images of body parts of the participant and of other age- and BMI- matched models, which were presented in the original size or modified to look rounder or thinner. Self-report measures of abnormal body image concerns and appearance-related worries for specific body parts were also collected. Results: Whilst both groups showed a self-body advantage in the implicit, but not in the explicit task, the advantage was notably bigger for the younger group. However, the implicit self-advantage was higher in those middle-age women that displayed more abnormal body image concerns and worries for specific body parts. Furthermore, the two groups were comparably less able in recognizing their body parts when presented thinner as compared to rounder or in their actual size. Conclusions: Overall, these findings open the possibility that, as women age, their implicit self-recognition abilities may decline in association with more negative body image dispositions.

scholarly journals Self-body recognition and attitudes towards body image in younger and older women

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Bellard ◽  
Cosimo Urgesi ◽  
Valentina Cazzato
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Negative Body Image ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Bodily Appearance ◽  
Self Recognition ◽  
Body Image Concerns ◽  
Body Recognition

AbstractDespite the fact that ageing causes dramatic changes in bodily appearance, little is known about how self-body recognition changes across life span. Here, we investigated whether older, compared to younger women, differed in the ability of recognising their own than other women’s body parts and whether this effect was associated to negative body image dispositions. Twenty-eight young (Mage: 25.93 years, SDage = 4.74) and 25 middle-aged (Mage: 54.36 years, SDage = 4.54) women completed an implicit task consisting of visual matching of self and others’ body parts and an explicit self–other body discrimination task. Stimuli comprised of images of body parts of the participant and of other age- and BMI-matched models, which were presented in the original size or modified to look rounder or thinner. Measures of adiposity (i.e. BMI), body image concerns and appearance-related worries for specific body parts and for the whole body were also collected. Whilst both groups showed a self-body advantage in the implicit, but not in the explicit task, the advantage was notably bigger for the younger group. However, the implicit self-advantage was higher in those middle-aged women that displayed more body image concerns and worries for specific body parts. Furthermore, the two groups were comparably less able in recognising their body parts when presented thinner as compared to rounder or in their actual size. Overall, these findings open the possibility that, as women age, their implicit self-recognition abilities may decline in association with more negative body image dispositions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document