Perceptual Memory Representations and Memory Fragmentation as Predictors of Post-Trauma Symptoms

Abstract

Ehlers and Clark (2000) hypothesize that persistent PTSD is explained by a predominance of data-driven processing and a lack of conceptually-driven processing of the trauma. Data-driven/conceptually-driven processing is thought to relate to perceptual memory representations and memory fragmentation. The present study measured the result of data-driven/conceptually-driven processing in three ways: on utterance level by assessing 1) the ratio between perceptual and conceptual memory representations and 2) utterance disorganization, and 3) on narrative level by assessing the incoherence of the trauma narrative. Twenty-nine patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were assessed within two weeks after ICU discharge and at 4 months follow-up. The present study tested whether perceptual memory representations, narrative disorganization and narrative incoherence immediately after ICU discharge are related to post-trauma symptomatology. If so, whether these variables are specific for PTSD as compared to depression. Data-driven/conceptually-driven processing was related to PTSD and Depression symptoms on utterance level. Although narrative incoherence did not predict PTSD symptoms, it was predictive of depression symptoms. The present study showed the viability of the data-driven/conceptually-driven conceptualization in explaining post-trauma symptomatology.