Autobiographical memory specificity, childhood abuse and neglect, and emotional dysregulation in dissociative disorders: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Autobiographical memory specificity, the ability to recall detailed personal experiences, plays a critical role in the development of psychopathology. Individuals who experience childhood abuse and neglect often exhibit overgeneral autobiographical memory, characterized by a lack of specificity in recalling personal events. This is thought to develop as a coping mechanism to avoid distressing memories, but it may impair effective emotional regulation. Past studies on memory specificity have rarely studied individuals with dissociative disorders who maybe hypothesized to compartmentalize information related to negative emotions. Aim: This study examines deficits in autobiographical memory among those with dissociative disorders compared to healthy controls. It also examines the relationships among autobiographical memory specificity, childhood abuse and neglect, and emotional regulation. Methods: This study utilizes a cross-sectional design with 30 adults with dissociative disorders and 30 age and gender-matched healthy controls. Purposive sampling was used, and all participants completed Autobiographical Memory Task, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale. Results: Individuals with dissociative disorders showed more overgeneral memories and had difficulties in emotional regulation compared to healthy controls. A negative correlation was found between specific and overgeneral memories in the dissociative group. Conclusion: Childhood abuse and neglect may be linked to impairments in autobiographical memory specificity and problems in emotional regulation among those with dissociation. This study can potentially add to the existing literature to emphasize the role of autobiographical memory in posttraumatic psychopathology.