MALIGNANT MEMORIES - POSTTRAUMATIC CHANGES IN MEMORY IN ADULTS AFTER A SCHOOL SHOOTING

The study explores changes in retrospective reports of experiences aft er a man-made disaster. Six and 18 months after a school shooting, 12 school personnel recalled in identical self-report questionnaires thei r proximity to the site, and emotional, including life threat, and sen sory experiences the day of the incident. All changed some aspect of t heir recall on retest Those close to the shooting increased and those far decreased their reported proximity to the site; and most responden ts both enlarged and diminished at the same time reports of specific e motional, life threat, and sensory experiences. Enlargement on retest appeared associated with PTSD symptoms, while diminishment with lessen ing of anxiety and depression and increase in self confidence. The aut hors offer these preliminary findings for further inquiry into the bio psychological basis of post-traumatic memory.