Distant memories: a prospective study of vantage point of trauma memories.
Adopting an observer perspective to recall trauma memories may function as a form of avoidance that maintains posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a prospective study to analyze the relationship between memory vantage point and PTSD symptoms. Participants (N= 947) identified the vantage point of their trauma memory and reported PTSD symptoms within 4 weeks of the trauma; 730 participants repeated this process 12 months later. Initially recalling the trauma from an observer vantage point was related to more severe PTSD symptoms at that time and 12 months later. Shifting from a field to an observer perspective a year after trauma was associated with greater PTSD severity at 12 months. These results suggest that remembering trauma from an observer vantage point is related to both immediate and ongoing PTSD symptoms.
Kenny
Lucy M
LM
University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
Bryant
Richard A
RA
Silove
Derrick
D
Creamer
Mark
M
O'Donnell
Meaghan
M
McFarlane
Alexander C
AC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology