Autobiographical memory and child trauma

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships among adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), autobiographical memory, reminiscence, rumination, and affect. While many outcomes of experiencing adverse events as a child have been examined thoroughly, extant research reveals mixed views on how child trauma affects autobiographical memory. Participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed the aforementioned variables. Adverse experiences and rumination were both correlated with the following functions of reminiscence: identity, intimacy maintenance, and bitterness revival. Rumination was also associated with the boredom reduction function of reminiscence in addition to the amount of cumulative ACEs individuals reported. These findings suggest that individuals with a history of child trauma are more likely to ruminate and more likely to use maladaptive functions of reminiscence. This study, its findings and implications are discussed.