Inhibitory Control Mediates the Relationship Between Depressed Mood and Overgeneral Memory Recall in Children

Abstract

It has been well established that depressed mood is related to overgeneral memory recall (OGM), which refers to a relative difficulty in retrieving specific information from one's autobiographical memory (AM). The present study examined whether OGM is also related to depressed mood in children and whether lack of inhibitory control mediates this relationship. One hundred thirty-five children (ages 9–13) completed measures assessing depressive symptoms, AM specificity, and inhibitory control. The results showed that depressed mood is positively associated with OGM and that inhibitory control mediated this relationship.

Acknowledgments

We thank Anne-Karen Esteves and Heidi Van Berghen for their assistance in data collection. We extend special thanks to all children who participated and to their schools: Gemeenteschool Haacht and Wespelaar, and Vrije Basisschool Haacht-Station.

Notes

Note. N = 135. EATQ–R–IC = Revised Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire Inhibitory Control subscale; CDI = Children's Depression Inventory; AMT = Autobiographical Memory Test; No.= Number of; S = Specific memories; GC = General Categoric memories; GE = General Extended memories; SA = Semantic Associates; OM = Omissions; SE = Same Event.

†p < .10. *p < .05. **p < .01.