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Boosting long-term effects of degraded memories via acute stress
van Schie,Kevin Burghart,Matthias Kang,Sahaj Mertens,Gaëtan Smeets,Tom
van Schie,Kevin
Burghart,Matthias
Kang,Sahaj
Mertens,Gaëtan
Smeets,Tom
Abstract
Combining recall of an emotional memory with simultaneous horizontal eye movements (i.e., Recall + EM) reduces memory aversiveness. However, the long-term persistence of this effect is inconsistent across studies. Given that stress may aid in the consolidation of memories, we examined whether acute stress can boost the long-term effects of degraded memories. To test this, participants recalled two negative memories, which were assigned to a Recall + EM or Recall Only condition. Before and after each intervention they rated memory aversiveness (i.e., immediate effects) followed by a stress-induction or control procedure. After a 24h-period, participants rated each memory again (i.e., long-term effects). We found that Recall + EM produces immediate effects but that these effects dissolve over time. Moreover, acute stress did not boost potential long-term effects of Recall + EM. Degraded memories were not retained better by applying stress. We discuss these results and how long-term effectiveness may still be achieved.
Description
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Date
2022
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Cortisol, Dual-task intervention, EMDR, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, Eye movements, Stress
Citation
van Schie, K, Burghart, M, Kang, S, Mertens, G & Smeets, T 2022, 'Boosting long-term effects of degraded memories via acute stress', Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 11, 100154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100154
License
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess