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‘Er was eens …’ : Het leven als narratief onderzoek naar de relatie tussen persoonlijkheid, depressiviteit en identiteitsherinneringen bij ouderen.

Bachoe, S.D. (2013) ‘Er was eens …’ : Het leven als narratief onderzoek naar de relatie tussen persoonlijkheid, depressiviteit en identiteitsherinneringen bij ouderen.

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Abstract:Introduction: Life stories have taken on a more prominent role in the field of psychology. Our life story is formed by our self defining memories, which are part of the autobiographical memory. Various research has found that self defining memories are related to psychological variables, like personality characteristics and depression. Depression is a major issue amongst the elderly, therefore this research will focus on the mediating role of self defining memories in the relationship between personality traits and depression in the elderly. Method: Participants are members of the LISS-panel of CentERdata. The Self-Defining Memory Task (SDMT), International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered. 180 participants in the range of 55-75 of age filled out the questionnaires and 520 self-defining memories were collected. Based on the method of Baron & Kenny a correlation- and mediation analysis was performed. Results: 38% of the memories had a positive valence, 15% was specific, 31% contained a positive evaluation and 13% of the memories were given a positive meaning. The average depression score was 3.06. with SD = 3.04. Neuroticism was positively correlated to depression. Extraversion, altruism, conscientiousness and openness to experiences were negatively correlated to depression. Certain personality characteristics were related to the content, valence and meaning of self-defining memories. Openness to experiences was positively related to memories about leisure and altruism was related to memories containing a positive meaning. Self-defining memories referring to health and material/ historical circumstances and memories with a negative valence were positively related to depression. No mediating effects were found of self-defining memories in the relationship between personality characteristics and depression. Discussion: Self-defining memories do not facilitate the correlation between personality traits and depression, but a negative valence of self-defining memories have a contribution to depression. The personality characteristics neuroticism and extraversion are highly related to depression. Differences in the outcomes can partially be explained by differences in the studied group, the research design and the intercorrelations among the personality characteristics in the current study. A personal approach is recommended to treat depression more efficient and effective, where as the treatment will focus on the personality structure of the client and the reduction of negative self-defining memories and the stimulation of positive self-defining memories. More research is needed in personality characteristics in relation to depression, the development of depression and the added value of self-defining memories to research the practical implications of narrative treatment methods.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/64043
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