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Abstract
Complicated Grief (CG) has been identified as a potential consequence of bereavement that is associated with unique and debilitating outcomes. This thesis investigated autobiographical memory in CG. This program of research focused on the specificity and content of autobiographical memories in the context of CG. Study 1 investigated memory retrieval specificity using a cue word paradigm. Bereaved individuals with CG displayed an overgeneral retrieval style (OGM) compared to bereaved individuals without CG. Study 2 found that CG participants were also less specific in imagining future events in response to positive cues. Further, there was a significant independent relationship between memory retrieval specificity and the specificity of future imaginings. Study 3 investigated the relationship between overgeneral memory and social problem solving. CG participants performed more poorly on this task; however, there was no independent relationship with memory retrieval style. Study 4 investigated the impact of treatment on OGM. Results indicated that as symptoms of CG reduced following treatment, individuals retrieved more specific memories to positive cues. Studies 5-7 examined proposed relationships between self construct and autobiographical remembering in CG, as outlined in Conway and Pleydell-Pearce's (2000) self memory system model. In Study 5, individuals with CG were more likely than bereaved controls to view their self-identity as being related to the deceased. Study 6 investigated the relationship between self-discrepancy, personal goals and memory content. CG individuals were more likely to recall loss-related memories, and there was a relationship between personal goals and memory content. Study 7 extended examination of these factors to future-related thinking. Finally, the program recognised the importance of investigating the impact of the cognitive strategies that individuals may adopt to manage painful memories. Using an experimental Stroop procedure as a measure of thought accessibility, Study 8 investigated thought suppression in CG. The results suggested that CG individuals experienced greater interference from death-related cues. In summary, these studies highlighted some of the key memory processes that may be involved in the maintenance, and potentially the resolution, of CG.