title: Autobiographical memory functioning among abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated children: the overgeneral memory effect.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This investigation addresses whether there are differences in the form and content of autobiographical memory recall as a function of maltreatment, and examines the roles of self-system functioning and psychopathology in autobiographical memory processes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Autobiographical memory for positive and negative nontraumatic events was evaluated among abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated school-aged children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Abused children's memories were more overgeneral and contained more negative self-representations than did those of the nonmaltreated children. Negative self-representations and depression were significantly related to overgeneral memory, but did not mediate the relation between abuse and overgeneral memory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The meaning of these findings for models of memory and for the development of overgenerality is emphasized. Moreover, the clinical implications of the current research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, USA. kristin.valentino@yale.edu
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Valentino
authors.forename: Sheree L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Toth
authors.forename: Dante
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cicchetti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011386:Projective Techniques; D012649:Self Concept