Only Reduced Specificity of Negative Memories Is Associated With Reduced Goal Specificity in Depression

Previous research indicates that memory specificity and goal specificity are correlated with depression. However, existing research has not manipulated the type of memory (specific or general) to be retrieved, making it difficult to ascertain whether the retrieval style for autobiographical memory causes difficulty in generating specific goals. We shortlisted 120 and 126 participants with and without depressive symptoms, respectively, randomly assigning them to four experimental conditions (specific-success, specific-failure, general-success, and general failure). Participants were asked to retrieve memories based on their experimental groups and produce approach goals. Recalling specific or positive general memories did not influence goal specificity for depressed and nondepressed groups. However, recalling negative general memories resulted in setting less specific goals than recalling negative specific memories among the depressed sample. The results imply that recalling negative general memories can cause depressed individuals to ruminate, making it difficult to set specific goals.

Automated summary

Previous research has shown that memory specificity and goal specificity are related to depression. However, previous studies did not manipulate the type of memory retrieval, making it difficult to determine whether the retrieval style for autobiographical memory causes difficulty in generating specific goals. This study found that recalling negative general memories resulted in setting less specific goals among depressed individuals compared to recalling negative specific memories.