The association between mental imagery and memory accuracy. The moderating role of an affective state
The aim of this present study is to determine the differential influence of mental imagery and affective state on the tendency to report both true and false memories for positive and negative life events. Second, we wanted to assess the interaction between mental imagery and affective state in predicted true and false memories for positive and negative life events. A sample of 128 participants completed the study. In order to study the occurrence of true and false memories, we used a paradigm containing videos. The results showed that mental imagery is positively associated only with false memory for both positive and negative materials, while a negative affective state is positively associated with true memories for positive and negative events. Moreover, the interaction between mental imagery and positive affect is significant in predicting false memories for positive events. Clinical and legal implications of the results are discussed.
true memories, false memories, mental imagery, positive affect, negative affect
