Observing-Self in Memories of Obsessive-Compulsives

Abstract

College students recalled ten specific events (e.g., giving a public performance) to test the hypothesis that obsessive-compulsives more often take the observing-self perspective in autobiographical memories. A curvilinear relationship was found with scores on the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: individuals with low-to-moderate scores had fewer observing-self memories than did either high obsessives or those with the lowest scores. Observer memories were rated higher in vividness and emotionality than were field memories, and as having been rehearsed more often. As compared to non-obsessives, the obsessives reported that their memories in general, whether observer or field, were more vivid and detailed, and had been more frequently rehearsed.