This program of research investigated the nature and processes of autobiographical memory deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Study 1 examined the proposition that difficulties in the retrieval of specific memories present a risk factor for posttraumatic psychopathology. A prospective study of fire-fighters found that a significant predictor of posttraumatic stress was a deficit in retrieving specific memories to positive cues before trauma. Study 2 investigated whether autobiographical retrieval deficits in PTSD can be modified by psychological treatment. Results found that as PTSD symptoms reduced following treatment, individuals with PTSD retrieved more specific memories to positive cues. Together, these results indicated that specific retrieval deficits to positive cues present a vulnerability factor for PTSD. However, this memory style appears to be receptive to modification following therapy. Study 3 investigated the association between autobiographical retrieval deficits and impaired problemsolving in PTSD. Participants with PTSD retrieved more overgeneral categoric memories and took longer to retrieve memories than non-PTSD trauma controls. This deficit was associated with impaired social problem-solving, suggesting that specific retrieval is related to successful problem solving. In an analogue design, Studies 4 and 5 investigated the proposition that resource limitations may underpin autobiographical retrieval deficits. Results generally supported the proposal that reduced cognitive resources may be a mechanism contributing to specific retrieval deficits. Studies 6 and 7 examined rumination as another possible mechanism responsible for these retrieval deficits. Study 6 found high anxious participants retrieved fewer specific memories to positive cues following rumination, compared to distraction. Study 7 found evidence that negative rumination in the high anxious group increased categoric retrieval, whereas positive rumination had no effect. Study 8 found retrieval of trauma-related self-defining memories was strongly associated with personal goals connected to the trauma. Study 9 found that discrepancies in one???s self construct were related to the retrieval of trauma memories to positive cues. This program of research extends current theories of autobiographical memory by identifying risk, maintenance, and recovery factors in the context of PTSD.

Thesis (DPsych) -- School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 2004. / "... submitted in partial requirement for the degree of the Professional Doctorate in Psychology, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 2004". Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-274).

Thesis (M.A.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2008.

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral--Universität Munster, 1989). / Includes indexes. Includes bibliographical references (p. [513]-529).

Thesis (M.A.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Virgil Suarez, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of English. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 22, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Kent State University, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Mar. 11, 2010). Advisor: Vera J. Camden. Keywords: Charlotte Bronte; fictional autobiography; trauma theory; testimony; witness; Jane Eyre; Villette; The Professor; repetition compulsion. Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-146).

"In its original form, this study was a doctoral dissertation ... Harvard University." / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Alberta, 2009. / "A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta." Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on August 31, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 3).

Inaug.-diss.--Leipzig. / Vita.