Emma J. Heisler-Murray

Emma J. Heisler-Murray (M.A. ’20)

Counseling and Clinical Psychology; Clinical Psychology 

Poster Title: The Survivor Experience: Memory, Identity, & Self-Worth

Abstract: With the growth of recent movements like #metoo and Time's Up, sexual assault has become a popular topic. While awareness has increased, there is still much more work to be done within the field of psychological research. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects sexual assault has on autobiographical memory in relation to survivorhood, PTSD, and satisfaction with life. Method: 45 female students at Sarah Lawrence College ages 18-24, recruited via online student group postings, filled out an online survey that assessed for levels of PTSD, satisfaction with life, significant autobiographical events and memory characteristics of traumatic and non-traumatic experiences. Results: PTSD is significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors and survivors’ autobiographical memories are significantly more vivid and have more sensory details than those of non-survivors. Conclusion: These results further support findings that sexual assault is correlated with PTSD diagnosis and memory is significantly impacted by such traumatic events. However, not just traumatic memories, but other forms of autobiographical memory are impacted.

 

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