Functioning of autobiographical memory specificity and self-defining memories in people with cancer diagnosis

PeerJ

article

Beatriz Moreno¹  Alberto Ocana²  Juan Pedro Serrano⁴  Clotilde Boix Gras⁵  Jorge Ricarte⁴  Luz Fernández-Aguilar⁴  Laura Ros⁴  Jose Miguel Latorre⁴  Marta Nieto⁴  Beatriz Navarro-Bravo⁴ 

[1] Asociación Costuras en la Piel en Apoyo a la Unidad de Investigación de Cáncer;Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital;Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, University of Castilla-La Mancha;Department of Psychology, University of Castilla-La Mancha;Centro de salud zona 8;Applied Cognitive Psychology Unit, University of Castilla-La Mancha;Unidad de Investigación, Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Albacete, Fundación del Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos

关键词: Cancer;    Depression;    Stress;    Autobiographical memory specificity;    Self-defining memory;    Executive functions;    Perceived stress;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.8126

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Objectives Cognitive and emotional disturbances have been associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Autobiographical memory is one of the specific cognitive processes affected during this disease. The current study had two main aims: (1) to compare the functioning of autobiographical memory specificity and its related variables (executive functioning, depression and perceived stress) in a group of persons with cancer and a control group; and (2) to analyze whether the experience of cancer evolved into a self-defining memory in the sample of participants diagnosed with this disease. Method The study sample comprised 62 participants, 31 in the group with a cancer diagnosis and 31 in the control group. Autobiographical memory specificity, executive functions, depression, stress and self-defining memory were evaluated in the current study. Results Depressive symptomatology and reduced executive functioning, but not perceived stress levels, are related and are predictors of autobiographical memory specificity. In addition, the identified characteristics of the self-defining memories were associated with the cancer experience as a threat to physical integrity and an awareness of the meaning of life. Conclusion This emerging research line is especially important in view of its possible impacts on patients’ well-being, due to the importance of psychological processes in cancer disease.

【 授权许可】

CC BY