VERIDICAL AND FALSE MEMORIES FOR NEGATIVE LIFE EVENTS. THE ROLE OF DEPRESSION

Based on previous studies that linked emotional disorders, including depression, with memory biases, the aim of the present study is to assess the relation between depression and memories for negative life events. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the individual differences in depressive state in evocation of both veridical and false memories. To study the occurrence of veridical and false memories, a video paradigm was used. Videos related details were not shown but were presented during a recognition task in order to induce spontaneous false memories. A sample of 126 participants completed the study, in exchange for course credits. Before watching the video, the participants reported their current depressive state by completing the Beck Depression Inventory. After watching the video, the participants completed a recognition task. They were asked to indicate whether they had seen a particular detail in the video. The results revealed significant differences in the level of veridical memories reported. Specifically, participants with a high level of depression reported a low level of veridical memories compared to the participants with a low level of depression. The differences between the participants with a low level of depression and the participants with a high level of depression in evocating false memories are not significant. The results are discussed from the perspective of their clinical implications.