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Autobiographical memory and problem-solving strategies of parasuicide patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

J. Evans ,
J. M. G. Williams ,
S. O'Loughlin  and
K. Howells
J. Evans*
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Kidderminster General Hospital; Psychology Department, University College of Wales, Bangor; Clinical Psychology Department, University of Birmingham
J. M. G. Williams
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Kidderminster General Hospital; Psychology Department, University College of Wales, Bangor; Clinical Psychology Department, University of Birmingham
S. O'Loughlin
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Kidderminster General Hospital; Psychology Department, University College of Wales, Bangor; Clinical Psychology Department, University of Birmingham
K. Howells
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Department, Kidderminster General Hospital; Psychology Department, University College of Wales, Bangor; Clinical Psychology Department, University of Birmingham
*
1Address for correspondence: Ms Julie Evans, Clinical Psychology Department, Kidderminster General Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, Worcs.
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Synopsis

Recent research has noted the tendency of parasuicide patients to retrieve over-general autobiographical memories. Separate studies suggest problem-solving deficits within this group.

The present study was concerned first with replicating these findings and, secondly, with developing a model of the relationship between over-general memory recall and poor problem-solving abilities in parasuicide patients. Anger and hopelessness were measured as markers for mood.

In line with the hypotheses, the parasuicide group (N = 12) produced significantly over-general memories in contrast to a matched control group (N = 12). This occurred significantly in relation to positive cues, and latency to first responses was significantly delayed in the parasuicide group. The parasuicide group also provided fewer and less-effective problem-solving strategies than the control group, and a significant association was found between low effectiveness of problem-solving strategies and over-general memory recall in the parasuicide group. Anger and hopelessness levels were significantly higher within the parasuicide group in line with previous findings.

The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 22 , Issue 2 , May 1992 , pp. 399 - 405
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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