Enhancing Autobiographical Memory Specificity Through Cognitive Training

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of memory specificity training (MEST) on autobiographical memory recall and depression. Afghan adolescents with depression were randomly assigned to a MEST group or to a control group. At baseline, both groups completed Persian versions of the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) and the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ). The MEST group then had five weekly group sessions of MEST. The control group had no additional contact. The AMT and MFQ were then readministered to all participants, and the MFQ was readministered at 2-month follow-up. The MEST group retrieved a higher proportion of specific memories following training and had lower levels of depression at 2-month follow-up than did the control group. Change in memory specificity predicted follow-up depression over and above baseline depression and mediated the relationship between receipt of MEST and reduction in later depression. The results suggest that MEST can improve autobiographical memory performance and drive subsequent reduction in depression symptoms.

Lost in distractors: Reduced Autobiographical Memory Specificity and dispersed activation spreading over distractors in working memory

“…Our results on depressive symptoms, particularly those at the post-training assessment, are consistent with the results of the clinical trial of Neshat-Doost et al (2013), showing that (a) MeST does not have a significant effect on depressive symptoms immediately after the training, but (b) changes in AMS mediated the relationship between the group allocation and post-training levels of depressive symptoms. Unlike the findings of Neshat-Doost et al…”

“…Compared with the earlier studies of Raes et al (2009) andNeshat-Doost et al (2013), c-MeST is a low-intensity and cost-efficient training to reduce cognitive vulnerability for depression, i.e., reduced AMS. Therefore, c-MeST, as a completely computerized program without needing a live communication with a therapist, has the potential to meet the recent requirement for a more convenient and lower cost intervention program for depression (Lang, Blackwell, Harmer, Davison, & Holmes, 2012;Marks & Cavanagh, 2009;Simon & Ludman, 2009).…”

“…429e430). We performed multiple regression analyses (Neshat-Doost et al, 2013) in which post-training scores of the secondary measures were predicted by the pre-training scores, group allocation, and AMS change scores (i.e., differences between the baseline and posttraining AMS scores). The results showed that the AMS change scores predicted significant decreases in the CES-D scores and correct recalls of TuA words in the VSRT (Table 5).…”

Autobiographical Memory and Interpersonal Problem Solving in Iranian Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

“…Future mood disturbance could be decreased by improving specific memories in patients at risk. When depressed patients were trained to become more specific, depressive symptoms, and ruminative levels were found to mitigate (Neshat-Doost et al, 2013;Williams, 2007). According to the functional avoidance hypothe-sis (Williams et al, 2007), an overgeneral retrieval style preserves the one's self-concept, because important unpleasant events and associated emotions are not activated.…”

Reward Processing in Motivational and Affective Disorders

“…Furthermore, when unintentional retrieval of negative memories does occur, clients are instructed to regard them with the nonjudgmental, accepting perspective taught in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (Teasdale et al, 2000), as a way to defuse the memories' emotional charge. Although the field of memory therapeutics is very new, there is already some evidence that these methods are clinically effective (e.g., Watkins et al, 2009Watkins et al, , 2012Neshat-Doost et al, 2012).…”