Autobiographical memory plays a key role in psychological well-being, and the field has been investigated from multiple perspectives for over thirty years. One large body of research has examined the basic mechanisms and characteristics of autobiographical memory during general cognition, and another body has studied what happens to it during psychological disorders, and how psychological therapies targeting memory disturbances can improve psychological well-being. This edited collection reviews and integrates current theories on autobiographical memory when viewed in a clinical perspective. It presents an overview of basic applied and clinical approaches to autobiographical memory, covering memory specificity, traumatic memories, involuntary and intrusive memories, and the role of self-identity. The book discusses a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder and autism, and how they affect autobiographical memory. It will be of interest to students of psychology, clinicians and therapists alike.

‘… the intellectual dialogues in the book not only shed new light on a variety of memory phenomena and psychopathology, but also agree to disagree to the extent where new questions are generated that are likely to move the field forward in the future … an excellent reference book for researchers and students of autobiographical memory and psychopathology.'

Qi Wang - author of The Autobiographical Self in Time and Culture

'Presenting contributions from many of the foremost memory researchers, this work combines excellent research, theory and a rare focus on clinical implications. A necessary addition to the autobiographical memory literature.'

James Erskine - St George's, University of London