This thesis examines how the literature on autobiographical memories (AMs) contributes to our theoretical and clinical understanding of the phenomenon of overgeneral. AM. The literature review outlines the phenomenon of overgeneral AM in relation to a number of vulnerability factors, placing particular emphasis on poor problem-solving ability. It argues that we may have overanalYsed the negative factors associated with overgeneral AM and instead, we should also consider its potentially protective factors against psychopathology. It appears that in some cases, overgeneral AM does indeed have an adaptive function, at least in the short-term. Further studies are clearly needed to experimentally examine the longevity of this protective strategy.
Despite the theoretical attention devoted to AM, few studies have examined lack of specificity or overgenerality in children and adolescents. The present study therefore examined the AM styles of children with both high and low symptoms of depression, following their transition to secondary school. The results demonstrated that lack of specific AM to positive cue words was related to high levels of depressive symptoms and that avoidant coping was significantly related to current affect. The thesis concludes with a critical review of the contributions to theory, research and learning. This paper outlines clinical implications and, strengths and weaknesses of the present study, providing direction for further studies in the context of a wider debate about the importance of AM as a theoretical construct. Future theory development needs to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the paradox that currently exists in the AM literature with respect to associated vulnerability factors, and conversely, protective features. Process and personal issues that arose from conducting this research are also briefly discussed.