Retrieval Induced Forgetting and Anxiety

(supervisors Dr. David Groome and Dr. Kevin Morgan)

Email: youlapipilis@yahoo.gr

Abstract

Retrieval-Induced Forgetting and Anxiety

The act of retrieving a memory has been found to inhibit the recall of related memories, a phenomenon known as retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF). This project aims to investigate the hypothesis that individuals with a strong RIF mechanism might be better at suppressing unwanted intrusive thoughts. A variety of samples will be tested for their RIF inhibition strength, including individuals suffering from clinical disorders such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), OCD (Obsessional-Compulsive Disorder), and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. These are all disorders which are known to be characterised by intrusive thoughts and memories. It is hypothesised that those individuals who are particularly vulnerable to such disorders may have a reduced or impaired level of RIF. If this hypothesis is supported then these findings would have important implications for our understanding of PTSD and OCD, and for approaches to treating these disorders.

Publications/Presentations

Groome, D., Thorne, J., Grant, N. & Pipilis, Y.J.  (in press). Retrieval-induced forgetting and unwanted thought intrusions. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology

Groome, D. & Pipilis, Y.J. (2007). Retrieval-induced forgetting and intrusive thoughts. Poster presented at the ESCOP conference, Marseille (Sept. 2007).