Comparisons of memories for traumatic events and other experiences

In the present study, we examined the similarities and differences between memory ratings for traumatic, negative, and positive life experiences. A sample of 113 female undergraduates completed a packet of questionnaires that included memory rating scales for all three types of experiences and measures of psychological functioning. Analyses revealed that traumatic experiences and negative experiences were less well-recalled than positive experiences with regard to some sensory information and some aspects of the narrative structure of the event. In addition, there were no differences between some memory ratings for different types of life events. Additionally, no clear relationships emerged between memory ratings and measures of psychological functioning. Findings tend to support theoretical perspectives that emphasize more limited memory for traumatic experiences relative to memory for other experiences. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.