SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

This systematic review examined the bidirectional relationship between autobiographical memories and state anxiety. A comprehensive search identified eight studies that examined how state anxiety affects autobiographical memory qualities (e.g., specificity, coherence) and how autobiographical memories may affect state anxiety experiences. Results suggest that state anxiety impairs the retrieval of specific, coherent autobiographical memories, which may exacerbate anxiety through impaired emotion regulation and self-continuity. Conversely, recalling positive, specific autobiographical memories may reduce state anxiety by enhancing coping strategies. Potential moderators (e.g., trait anxiety, rumination) and mediators (e.g., memory biases, self-perception) were identified. However, the small number of studies, methodological limitations, and inconsistent measures across studies restrict definitive conclusions. Future research using rigorous longitudinal designs, clinical samples, and consistent multimodal assessments is needed to elucidate the causal pathways and mechanisms underlying this bidirectional relationship. Understanding these dynamics can inform interventions targeting autobiographical memory processes to manage state anxiety.