The role of visual perceptual style and personality disorder traits in event-based prospective memory

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of global/local processing style, field-(in)dependence, and personality disorder traits in event-based prospective memory performance. One hundred and fifty participants took part in an experiment, where they were administered a computerized version of Navon’s global–local task. The PM task required participants to press a designated key whenever a blue compound stimulus was presented. Participants were then administered measures of field-(in)dependence and personality disorder traits. Data were submitted to logistic regression and hierarchical regression, separately for the two conditions (global/local). Results indicated that with respect to condition, global/local processing style, field-(in)dependence, and specific personality disorder traits differently affect PM performance.

► We investigate the role of perceptual style and personality disorder traits in prospective memory. ► Reduced susceptibility to global level of processing improves performance. ► Depressive and obsessive–compulsive tendencies contribute to impair performance.