Post-event processing and the retrieval of autobiographical memories in socially anxious individuals

Individuals with social anxiety often report considerable ruminative thoughts following ambiguous social events (post-event processing). The purpose of this study was to determine whether post-event processing affects retrieval of autobiographical memories rated as negative, anxious and shameful in a sample of socially anxious individuals and controls. Results indicated that, compared to controls, socially anxious individuals recalled memories that were rated as significantly more negative and shameful regardless of the type of post-event processing engaged in. Unexpectedly, after negative post-event processing socially anxious individuals recalled memories that although anxious and shameful, were rated as significantly more calming than after other types of post-event processing. The results imply that post-event processing may have some adaptive benefit that could explain why it persists in socially anxious individuals.