Pathways to intrusive memories in a trauma analogue paradigm: A structural equation model
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BACKGROUND: Structural equation modeling was used to develop and test an integrated model of how emotional and cognitive factors contribute to the development of intrusive memories after a distressing event. METHODS: The emotional constructs included preexisting emotion and emotional reactivity to the distressing event. Cognitive constructs included peritraumatic cognitive processing and maladaptive coping strategies. RESULTS: Using a prospective design, 148 undergraduate students viewed a distressing film and recorded their film-related intrusive memories over the following week. RESULTS: The results indicated that emotional reactivity and, to a lesser extent, preexisting emotion, predicted peritraumatic cognitive processing during the film, which in turn predicted the use of maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., rumination, thought suppression, and safety behaviors). Furthermore, emotional reactivity and maladaptive coping strategies directly predicted intrusive memories. CONCLUSIONS: The observed model supported the importance of cognitive variables central to cognitive models, placing them in a broader context.
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Thought suppression as a coping strategy in response to intrusive memories is associated with more subsequent intrusive memories.
“thought suppression as a coping strategy in response to intrusive memories – the latter of which has been associated with more subsequent intrusive memories”
From Intrusive memories of trauma: A target for research bridging cognitive science and its clinical application (2019) · cites this paper as Regambal & Alden, 2009
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- Authors
- Regambal, M. J., & Alden, L. E.
- Affiliations
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Alden, Lynn E.
- ORCID
- Alden, Lynn E.
- Venue
- Depression and Anxiety
- Publisher
- Hindawi Limited
- Published
- 2009-02
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 155-166
- ISSN
- 1091-4269 (ISSN-L)
- 1520-6394
- OpenAlex
- W2007571262
- Cited by
- 35
- References
- 67
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 3.90
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Depression and Anxiety (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- intrusive memories, trauma, emotional reactivity, maladaptive coping, rumination, thought suppression, safety behavior
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Arousal, Attention, Awareness, Emotions, Female, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Models, Psychological, Pain Measurement, Personality Inventory, Prospective Studies, Mental Recall, Risk Factors, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Students, Young Adult
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