title: A prospective study of autobiographical memory and posttraumatic stress disorder following cancer.
abstract: In this study, the authors investigated the relationship between autobiographical memory and the onset and maintenance of distressing memories following cancer. In Study 1, participants recently diagnosed with head, neck, or lung cancer were assessed for acute stress disorder (ASD). Participants with ASD reported fewer specific memories than did participants without ASD. In Study 2, the same participants were assessed 6 months later for autobiographical memory and cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Deficits in the retrieval of specific memories in Study 1 were not predictive of subsequent PTSD. Increased hopelessness during the 6 months was associated with a decline in the retrieval of positive memories and an increase in the retrieval of negative memories. These findings accord with propositions that retrieval of distressing memories is guided by current self-image and attitude toward one's future.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kangas
authors.forename: Jane L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bryant
mesh_terms: D001325:Autobiographies as Topic; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D040701:Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D014825:Vocabulary