From: http://www.ehps2016.org/files/EHPS2016_Abstracts_Book_08082016.pdf
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Poster Presentations
EHPS/DHP 2016 - Conference Abstracts Page | 460
15:30 - 17:00
Observer perspective in autobiographical memory predicts symptom severity in CFS/ME
M. Martin1, 2, C. Dawes3
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
2Cognition and Health Research Group, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
3London School of Economics, United Kingdom
Background: Taking an observer (as opposed to field) perspective in autobiographical memory has
been implicated in social anxiety, PTSD and depression. Within CFS/ME, symptom severity varies
greatly. It is hypothesized that taking an observer perspective will be linked to more severe symptoms
in CFS/ME.
Methods: CFS/ME patients (N = 87) recalled four types of autobiographical memories (namely,
relating to physical activity, fatigue, physical pain and happiness). Degree of observer perspective
was judged on a seven-point scale. They also received HADS and other measures. Regression
analysis was carried out on CFS/ME symptom severity. HADS depression and anxiety were entered
at step 1, perceived risk of illnesses unrelated to CFS/ME at step 2, and degree of observer memory
at Step 3.
Findings: Regression analysis revealed that symptom severity was significantly predicted by greater
observer perspective in Activity Memory, Fatigue Memory, and Happy Memory. This was the case
even when HADS depression and anxiety, and perceived risk of unrelated illnesses, were controlled
for. In contrast, Pain Memory was predicted by depression alone.
Discussion: Symptom severity in CFS/ME was predicted by the way in which autobiographical
memories were recalled for activity, fatigue, and happy (but not pain) events, in addition to prediction
by level of depression and perceived risk of illness unrelated to CFS/ME. It is proposed that a
therapeutic intervention which trains CFS/ME patients to recall past activity, fatigue and happy
occasions in their life from a field perspective may lead to a decrease in symptom severity.
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