Dissociation is one of the phenomena that is closely linked to memory processes, specifically to autobiographical memory. Although a considerable amount of research investigated the relationship between dissociation and basic memory processes, how dissociation as a non-pathological personality trait relates to the characteristics of autobiographical memory is still largely unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between dissociative tendency and the affect, phenomenology, and centrality of emotional autobiographical memories by asking participants low and high on dissociation to recall their happiest and saddest memories. Results indicated that dissociation is characterised by a negative self-concept and leads to increased accessibility and centrality of the saddest memories to identity and life story and to decreased vividness and clarity of time of the happiest memories. Findings also showed that dissociation leads to perceiving these emotionally salient memories as psychologically more distant yet feeling more positive about them over time, supporting the view of dissociation as the result of an ineffective emotional regulation system. The study provides empirical evidence that dissociation relates to the recollective experience of valenced autobiographical memories in different ways.
Keywords: Dissociation; affect; autobiographical memory; centrality of event; phenomenology.