The effect of dissociation at encoding on intrusive memories for a stressful film.
The occurrence of memory intrusions after a trauma has been linked to peri-traumatic dissociation. In this study, we attempted to induce dissociation experimentally and investigate the impact on intrusive memories. A total of 39 undergraduates were randomly assigned to watch a stressful film under standard conditions or under a dual-task condition in which they simultaneously performed a tapping task. They rated their distress post-film and again after 2 weeks, and kept a diary of intrusive memories. Contrary to prediction, there were no differences in levels of distress or explicit memory between the two conditions, and the dual-task condition was followed by significantly fewer memory intrusions. Dual-task conditions may not provide a good analogue to naturally occurring dissociation. The possible preventive effects of the tapping task are discussed in terms of the dual-representation theory of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brewin
C R
CR
Subdepartment of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
Saunders
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors