Boosting long-term effects of degraded memories via acute stress

This study found that while recalling negative memories with eye movements reduces distress in the short term, these effects do not last over time and are not strengthened by acute stress.

Article 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.

Highlights:

• We examined whether stress boosts the long-term effects of degraded memories.
• Dual-task interventions robustly produce immediate memory degrading effects.
• Immediate memory degrading effects dissolve over time (24h later)
• The stress manipulation increased cardiovascular/neuroendocrine stress responses.
• Acute stress did not boost potential long-term effects of dual-task interventions.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

van Schie, K., Burghart, M., Kang, S., Mertens, G., & Smeets, T. (2022). Boosting long-term effects of degraded memories via acute stress. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 11, 100154. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100154