Negative Body Image and Avoidant Retrieval (Preprint)

Autobiographical memories involving the own body are likely an important factor in defining people’s body images. People with a negative body image may not only be more likely to recall negative/repulsive memories of their body, but also be motivated to avoid retrieving specific memories to prevent triggering aversive emotions (e.g., disgust). Such inclination to retain at a global level of memory recall may hamper the correction of their negative body image, thereby contributing to the persistence of body image concerns. In previous research using Autobiographical Memory Tests (AMTs) with minimal instructions we failed to find evidence for such an overgeneral memory bias specific to individuals with a negative body image, but observed an overall low memory specificity in response to body cue words. Therefore, the present study (N = 153) included a traditional AMT with extensive instructions next to a minimal instructions AMT condition. In addition, we explored the idea that episodic quality may be a memory characteristic that is relevant to avoidance and included episodic quality ratings next to memory specificity. Women with a relatively negative body image recalled relatively negative body-memories. Yet, in both conditions the findings failed to support our prediction that a more negative body image would also be associated with relatively low specificity or episodic quality ratings. Thus, the findings are consistent with the view that autobiographical memories might be an important factor in defining one’s body image, yet, cast doubt on the relevance of avoidant retrieval of body-related memories, at least in non-clinical samples.