Self-defining memory, emotion regulation and mentalization among antisocial forensic inpatients

Literature supports a deficit of three important abilities for prosocial behaviours among antisocial (AS) populations: Self-Defining Memories (SDM), emotions regulation strategies (ERS) and mentalization (Lanciano et al., 2018; McGauley et al., 2011; Neves & Pinho, 2018). SDM are specific autobiographical memories providing a context to learn and give meaning from a life event (Dimaggio et al., 2012), leading to build the individual's sense of identity (Martinelli & Piolino, 2009). Evoking memories implies the ability to regulate their own emotions (Pasupathi, 2003). This can be achieved through adjusted or maladjusted ERS. Mentalization, defined as the ability to interpret and assume intentions from self and others' state of mind as meaningful, plays a part in this process (Bateman & Fonagy, 2019). However, few studies have focused on exploring the associations between them among this population.

Current study investigates the associations between the recall of SDM (Self-Defining Memory Task), emotions regulations strategies (Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire) and mentalization (Reflective Function Questionnaire). Non-parametric comparisons were undertaken. Forty participants (23 forensic AS inpatients; 17 controls) were asked to recall five SDM, leading to collect 194 SDM.

Main results show that AS inpatients exhibit more non-integrated memories than controls. However, against expectations, AS inpatients do not recall more overgeneralized memories. Similarly, they make as much use of adaptive regulation strategies as controls and exhibit similar mentalizing abilities. These results will be discussed in light with the international literature.