Omitting continuous memory recall from dual-task interventions does not reduce intervention effectiveness

This study found that highly taxing dual tasks reduce the vividness, emotionality, and accessibility of negative memories even without continuous recall, suggesting that ongoing memory recall may not be necessary for these effects.

Article Abstract

“In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing a patient recalls a traumatic memory, while simultaneously performing a dual-task (e.g., making horizontal eye movements, tapping a pattern). Earlier lab studies show that increasing the load of a dual-task -and leaving fewer resources for memory recall-results in larger decreases in memory vividness and emotionality compared to control conditions. Therefore, we investigated whether it is necessary to continuously and deliberately recall the memory next to performing high taxing dual-tasks. In two online experiments, participants (N = 172, N = 198) recalled a negative autobiographical memory and were randomly assigned to (1) Memory Recall + Dual-Tasks, (2) Dual-Tasks Only, or (3) No Intervention Control. The dual-tasks were complex pattern tapping and spelling out loud. Before and after the intervention the memory was rated on vividness, emotionality, and accessibility. High taxing dual-tasks, regardless of whether there was continuous memory recall, resulted in the largest reductions in all dependent variables compared to control. Unexpectedly, there was no evidence that the addition of continuous memory recall added to these reductions. These results suggest that continuous memory recall might not, or only minimally needed for the beneficial effects of the dual-task procedure. We discuss the necessity of memory (re)activation, alternative explanations, and implications for practice.

Highlights:

• The necessity of continuous recall in an online dual-task procedure was investigated.
• Performing high taxing dual-tasks decreased memory vividness and emotionality.
• Adding continuous memory recall to a dual-task did not increase effectiveness.
• High taxing dual-task procedures are effective in an online setting.
• An exact replication study replicated these results.”

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Article Access

Open Access 

van Schie, K., & van Veen, S. C. (2023). Omitting continuous memory recall from dual-task interventions does not reduce intervention effectiveness. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 164: 104291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104291  

About the Journal

“The major focus of Behaviour Research and Therapy is an experimental psychopathology approach to understanding emotional and behavioral disorders and their prevention and treatment, using cognitive, behavioral, and psychophysiological (including neural) methods and models. ”

—Description from publisher