"The moderating effect of overgeneral autobiographical memory and rumin" by Jezzebelle T. Baldo

The moderating effect of overgeneral autobiographical memory and rumination on depressive symptoms among disaster survivors

Date of Publication

8-2019

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Adviser

Maria Caridad H. Tarroja

Defense Panel Chair

Maria Guadalupe C. Salanga

Defense Panel Member

Jaymee Abigail K. Pantaleor
Maria Rose H. Morales

Abstract/Summary

This study seeks to investigate on the influence of overgeneral autobiographical memories (OGM) on the development of depressive symptoms among disaster survivors and the moderating role of rumination in the relationship. Based on the control theory of self-regulation, it was hypothesized that being less specific in recalling memories relates to the levels of depressive symptoms and ruminating about their experiences further intensifies the impact of OGM on depressive symptoms. One hundred and eighteen (n=118) Filipino disaster survivors completed the questionnaires that measured the levels of depressive symptoms, rumination and memory specificity. Results were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression which revealed that OGM did not relate to the levels of depressive symptoms and the effects are primarily caused by rumination. A supplementary analysis further highlighted that recalling more OGM intensifies the depressive symptoms initially caused by rumination among disaster survivors with depression. Such findings indicate that rumination serves as a risk factor for depression while OGM promotes more abstract thoughts that could affect their interpretation of their current situation as well as their response to it. The implications of the findings and the role of rumination and memory specificity were further discussed, emphasizing the importance of memory specificity in psychological intervention.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG008177

Keywords

Autobiographical memory; Disaster victims; Rumination (Psychology); Depression, Mental

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Embargo Period

2-11-2025

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