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Cui X, Zhang S, Yu S, Ding Q, Li X. Does working memory training improve emotion regulation and reduce internalizing symptoms? A pair of three-level meta-analyses. Behav Res Ther 2024; 179:104549. [PMID: 38761555 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional dysfunction is a core feature of many mental disorders. Working memory training (WM-T) is promising to improve emotion regulation and reduce internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depressive symptoms), but the results are mixed. Therefore, we conducted meta-analyses to clarify these mixed results. METHODS We searched Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO to identify relevant studies and screened the references. The effect size was calculated using Hedges' g. Three-level, random-effects models were run using metafor in R. RESULTS The current study included 44 articles, of which 29 were involved with emotion regulation, and 30 were involved with internalizing symptoms. The results showed that WM-T could yield emotional benefits, but the benefits were confined to enhancing explicit emotional regulation capacity and reducing anxiety symptoms. For the meta-analysis regarding the effect of WM-T on emotion regulation, there was no significant moderator. For the meta-analysis regarding the effect of WM-T on internalizing symptoms, the emotional valence of the material and control group were statistically significant moderators. CONCLUSION WM-T could yield certain emotional effects, but only to improve explicit emotion regulation capacity and reduce anxiety symptoms. In addition, some measures could enhance the effect, such as targeting specific populations, increasing the number of training sessions (≥15) or duration (>450 minutes), using negative material, and using n-back training tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Cui
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Shuting Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Qingwen Ding
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China
| | - Xuebing Li
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, China.
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2
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Morawetz C, Basten U. Neural underpinnings of individual differences in emotion regulation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105727. [PMID: 38759742 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This review synthesises individual differences in neural processes related to emotion regulation (ER). It comprises individual differences in self-reported and physiological regulation success, self-reported ER-related traits, and demographic variables, to assess their correlation with brain activation during ER tasks. Considering region-of-interest (ROI) and whole-brain analyses, the review incorporated data from 52 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Results can be summarized as follows: (1) Self-reported regulation success (assessed by emotional state ratings after regulation) and self-reported ER-related traits (assessed by questionnaires) correlated with brain activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex. (2) Amygdala activation correlated with ER-related traits only in ROI analyses, while it was associated with regulation success in whole-brain analyses. (3) For demographic and physiological measures, there was no systematic overlap in effects reported across studies. In showing that individual differences in regulation success and ER-related traits can be traced back to differences in the neural activity of brain regions associated with emotional reactivity (amygdala) and cognitive control (lateral prefrontal cortex), our findings can inform prospective personalised intervention models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrike Basten
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany
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3
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Voltmer K, von Salisch M. Longitudinal prediction of primary school children's COVID-related future anxiety in the second year of the pandemic in Germany. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302065. [PMID: 38718073 PMCID: PMC11078412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although research has confirmed that the first COVID-19-related lockdown has increased stress and mental health problems in children, less is known about the longer-term effects of the pandemic on children's COVID-related future anxiety (CRFA). Because of CRFA's potentially debilitating effects, risk and resilience factors against this anxiety were investigated. To this end, n = 140 children (49% female) in 3rd and 4th grade classrooms in Germany were asked to perform a working memory task and to self-report about their CRFA and emotion regulation in December 2020 and in May 2021. More maladaptive emotion regulation in December 2020 contributed to the explanation of a high CRFA score in May 2021, whereas a better performance on working memory updating contributed a lower CRFA score later when controls were in place. These results were confirmed when children's CRFA in December 2020 was included in the prediction of their later CRFA. They suggest that maladaptive strategies of emotion regulation, such as rumination, may explain higher or increasing levels of CRFA, whereas efficient working memory updating may be an indicator of processing information in a way which shields children from CRFA-related thoughts. The concepts underlying these variables should be included in prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Voltmer
- Institute for Sustainability Psychology, Leuphana University Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Maria von Salisch
- Institute for Sustainability Psychology, Leuphana University Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
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4
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Cécillon FX, Mermillod M, Leys C, Lachaux JP, Le Vigouroux S, Shankland R. Trait Anxiety, Emotion Regulation, and Metacognitive Beliefs: An Observational Study Incorporating Separate Network and Correlation Analyses to Examine Associations with Executive Functions and Academic Achievement. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:123. [PMID: 38255435 PMCID: PMC10814468 DOI: 10.3390/children11010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Trait anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, and metacognitive beliefs influence executive functions (EFs) and academic achievement. This study examines their interplay and impact on academic success. In total, 275 adolescents (10-17 years) and parents completed an online questionnaire assessing trait anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, metacognition, parent-reported behaviors related to executive functioning, and overall school average. Preliminary analyses confirmed consistency with the existing literature for each variable and their interaction. Furthermore, we conducted a network analysis among the main variables. This analysis supports the need to pay more attention to reflective variables-maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and metacognitive beliefs about worry-when studying trait anxiety. These variables were linked to problematic executive functioning in adolescents, and the latter was negatively linked to academic achievement. This study offers innovative insights by investigating relationships less explored in the scientific literature. It reveals high and significant correlations between metacognitive beliefs, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and trait anxiety (r > 0.500, p < 0.001) but also between these variables and both executive functioning and academic achievement. These findings offer new perspectives for research and underscore the importance of holistically examining the psychological factors related to academic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- François-Xavier Cécillon
- Laboratoire Développement Individu Processus Handicap Education, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5, Avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 69676 Bron, Cedex, France;
| | - Martial Mermillod
- Laboratoire Psychologie et NeuroCognition, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Christophe Leys
- Faculté de Psychologie, Sciences de l’Education et Logopédie, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 50—CP191, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Jean-Philippe Lachaux
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Bâtiment 452—95 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France;
| | | | - Rebecca Shankland
- Laboratoire Développement Individu Processus Handicap Education, Université Lumière Lyon 2, 5, Avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 69676 Bron, Cedex, France;
- Institut Universitaire de France, 1 Rue Descartes, 75231 Paris, Cedex 05, France
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5
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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Pestell CF, Glasson EJ. Neurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: a study using remote self-administered testing. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:513-536. [PMID: 37779193 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2259042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. METHODS Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88 years, range 11-27 years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15 months. RESULTS NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15 months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualized prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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6
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Bertocci MA, Afriyie-Agyemang Y, Rozovsky R, Iyengar S, Stiffler R, Aslam HA, Bebko G, Phillips ML. Altered patterns of central executive, default mode and salience network activity and connectivity are associated with current and future depression risk in two independent young adult samples. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1046-1056. [PMID: 36481935 PMCID: PMC10530634 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neural markers of pathophysiological processes underlying the dimension of subsyndromal-syndromal-level depression severity can provide objective, biologically informed targets for novel interventions to help prevent the onset of depressive and other affective disorders in individuals with subsyndromal symptoms, and prevent worsening symptom severity in those with these disorders. Greater functional connectivity (FC) among the central executive network (CEN), supporting emotional regulation (ER) subcomponent processes such as working memory (WM), the default mode network (DMN), supporting self-related information processing, and the salience network (SN), is thought to interfere with cognitive functioning and predispose to depressive disorders. We examined in young adults (1) relationships among activity and FC in these networks and current depression severity, using a paradigm designed to examine WM and ER capacity in n = 90, age = 21.7 (2.0); (2) the extent to which these relationships were specific to depression versus mania/hypomania; (3) whether findings in a first, "discovery" sample could be replicated in a second, independent, "test" sample of young adults n = 96, age = 21.6 (2.1); and (4) whether such relationships also predicted depression at up to 12 months post scan and/or mania/hypomania severity in (n = 61, including participants from both samples, age = 21.6 (2.1)). We also examined the extent to which there were common depression- and anxiety-related findings, given that depression and anxiety are highly comorbid. In the discovery sample, current depression severity was robustly predicted by greater activity and greater positive functional connectivity among the CEN, DMN, and SN during working memory and emotional regulation tasks (all ps < 0.05 qFDR). These findings were specific to depression, replicated in the independent sample, and predicted future depression severity. Similar neural marker-anxiety relationships were shown, with robust DMN-SN FC relationships. These data help provide objective, neural marker targets to better guide and monitor early interventions in young adults at risk for, or those with established, depressive and other affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A Bertocci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | | | - Renata Rozovsky
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satish Iyengar
- Department of Statistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Arts and Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Richelle Stiffler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haris A Aslam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Genna Bebko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary L Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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7
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Russell B, Mussap AJ. Posttraumatic stress, visual working memory, and visual imagery in military personnel. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-18. [PMID: 36845204 PMCID: PMC9942044 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by disruptions to cognitive functioning. Two studies were conducted to examine the relevance of military-related PTSD to two cognitive functions - visual working memory and visual imagery. Participants were military personnel who reported their PTSD diagnosis history and completed a self-administered screening tool for PTSD, the PTSD Checklist - Military Version. In Study 1, 138 personnel also completed a memory span task and a 2-back task using colored words in which Stroop interference was introduced via the semantic content of the words. In Study 2, a separate group of 211 personnel completed measures of perceived imagery vividness and spontaneous use of visual imagery. Interference effects on working memory in PTSD-diagnosed military personnel were not replicated. However, ANCOVA and structural equation modelling revealed that PTSD-intrusions were associated with poorer working memory whereas PTSD-arousal was associated with spontaneous use of visual imagery. We interpret these results as evidence that intrusive flashbacks disrupt working memory performance not by limiting memory capacity nor by interfering directly with memory functions such as inhibition, but by adding internal noise in the form of task-irrelevant memories and emotions. Visual imagery appears to be unrelated to these flashbacks but with arousal symptoms of PTSD, perhaps in the form of flashforwards about feared/anticipated threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton Russell
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, 3125 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Mussap
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, 3125 Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Zhao X, Cai Y, Maes JHR. Association between working memory updating ability and cognitive reappraisal: An investigation into a modulatory role of the individual's sex. Psych J 2023; 12:185-194. [PMID: 36682737 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive reappraisal has been shown to be an effective emotion regulation strategy that contributes to mental health. Previous studies focused on sex differences in the frequency of use and ability to use this strategy, and the association of fequency of use and ability with executive functioning. However, there is a lack of behavioral studies examining whether the involvement of executive functions in cognitive reappraisal use and ability differs for men and women. Such a sex difference may inform the design of cognitive interventions directed at enhancing cognitive reappraisal use and ability. The present study used a sample of 125 Chinese university students and focused on one key component of executive functioning: working memory updating. Frequency of cognitive reappraisal use was assessed by self-report. Ability to use cognitive reappraisal and working memory updating capacity were each assessed with a laboratory task. The results revealed no sex difference in cognitive reappraisal use or ability. However, of primary interest, the ability to apply cognitive reappraisal was associated with working memory updating performance, but only for women. If confirmed in further studies, these findings suggest that cognitive interventions in general, and working memory updating trainings more specifically, are more likely to enhance the ability to use cognitive reappraisal as a means to regulate emotions in women than in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Behavior Rehabilitation Training Research Institution, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaya Cai
- Behavior Rehabilitation Training Research Institution, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Joseph H R Maes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Panah MT, Taremian F, Dolatshahi B, Seddigh SH, Raeisian FS, Panah E. A comparison of Barkley's behavioral inhibition model (1997) with Barkley's updated executive functioning model in predicting adult ADHD symptoms: A preliminary report using structural equation modeling. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36576870 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2158441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
One of the most comprehensive approaches to explaining attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms is Barkley's behavioral inhibition model (BBIM) (1997), in which behavioral inhibition (BI) plays a primary role. Due to the substantial role of working memory (WM) in explaining ADHD symptoms, Barkley recently updated his model and elevated WM from a mediator variable (in BBIM) to a primary position as an exogenous variable alongside BI, and titled his new model as Barkley's updated executive functioning model (BUEFM). However, since the information about the explanatory power of the new model is sparse, this study aims to investigate the impact of this change in WM role by comparing these two models to explain ADHD symptoms. The study involved a sample of 184 (96 females and 88 males) undergraduate students with high ADHD symptoms who were selected using the purposive sampling method. For assessing models, we have utilized four tools that include: CNS-Vital Sign Test Battery; Barkley Deficit in Executive Functioning Scale; self-verbalization questionnaire (SVQ); and trail making test. We analyzed the data by running structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis using IBM AMOS software version 22. The results show that Model Comparison Measurement (e.g. AIC was 197.583 and 144.614 for BBIM and BUEFM, respectively) and Model Fit Indices (e.g. root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) obtained 0.076 and 0.067 for BBIM and BUEFM, respectively) representing that BUEFM had a better value than BBIM, which means that the BUEFM was considered better fitting to the data. The findings of this study show that BUEFM has more Predictive power than BBIM to predict symptoms of ADHD through the motor control fluency (MOT) variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taher Panah
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Taremian
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrouz Dolatshahi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hamzeh Seddigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Raeisian
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Panah
- Modern Language Department, University College of Yayasan Pahang, Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia
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Chen L, Wang Q, Xu T. Working memory function in patients with major depression disorder: A narrative review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 30:281-293. [PMID: 36510396 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) deficits are recognized as serious cognitive impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This review aims to clarify the effects of impaired WM function in patients with MDD and explore non-invasive and effective treatments that can be adopted in clinical practice. This review (1) synthesizes extant literature examining brain function and brain areas in terms of WM in individuals with depression, (2) utilizes the outcomes of the studies presented in this review to discuss the effects of impaired WM function on cognitive processing in individuals with depression, (3) integrates the treatments explored in current studies and (4) provides some suggestions for future research. We found that (1) central executive (CE) components affect the processing of WM, and this might be one of the factors influencing cognitive biases, as it is implicated in repetitive negative thinking and rumination; (2) the left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the regions of the default mode network (DMN) play a vital role in CE functioning; and (3) psychotherapy, cognitive training, exercise and physical therapy can be used as complementary treatments for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Chen
- School of Medical Humanities, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianchao Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
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Mattheiss SR, Levinson H, Rosenberg-Lee M, Graves WW. Exposure to violence is associated with decreased neural connectivity in emotion regulation and cognitive control, but not working memory, networks after accounting for socioeconomic status: a preliminary study. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2022; 18:15. [PMID: 36503615 PMCID: PMC9743673 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-022-00201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated behavioral and neural differences associated with experiencing adversity. However, adversity is unlikely to be a monolithic construct, and we expect that examining effects of more specific components such as exposure to violence in the home community will yield more concretely interpretable results. Here we account for effects of low socioeconomic status (SES) to examine the specific effects of exposure to violence on functional connectivity between brain areas known to be related to emotion regulation and working memory. Decreased resting state functional connectivity for individuals exposed to high compared to low levels of violence during childhood was predicted for two sets of areas: (1) bilateral amygdala with anterior medial regions involved in cognitive control of emotion, and (2) the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) with frontal and parietal regions implicated in working memory. Consistent with our predictions, increasing exposure to violence was related to decreased resting state functional connectivity between the right amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex, even after accounting for SES. Also after accounting for SES, exposure to violence was related to reductions in connectivity between the right dlPFC and frontal regions, but not with parietal regions typically associated with working memory. Overall, this pattern suggests increased exposure to violence in childhood is associated with reduced connectivity among key areas of the circuitry involved in emotion regulation and cognitive control, but not working memory. These results offer insight into the neural underpinnings of behavioral outcomes associated with exposure to violence, laying the foundation for ultimately designing interventions to address the effects of such exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R. Mattheiss
- grid.454556.30000 0000 9565 5747Psychology Department, Felician University, Lodi, NJ USA
| | - Hillary Levinson
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Psychology Department, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ USA
| | - Miriam Rosenberg-Lee
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Psychology Department, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ USA
| | - William W. Graves
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Psychology Department, Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, NJ USA
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12
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Ronold EH, Joormann J, Hammar Å. Computerized Working Memory Training in Remission From Major Depressive Disorder: Effects on Emotional Working Memory, Processing Speed, Executive Functions, and Associations With Symptoms. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:887596. [PMID: 35832292 PMCID: PMC9272008 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.887596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Remission from major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with residual symptoms related to reduced functioning, quality of life, and relapse risk. Previous studies have raised questions about mechanisms involved-in and affected by cognitive training. This study investigated the associations and changes among depressive symptoms, rumination, processing speed (PS), executive functioning (EF), and emotional working memory (e-WM) pre- post computerized working memory training (CWMT). Method Twenty-nine remitted participants were included in a pre- post pilot study of within-subject effects of online CWMT. A total of 20 participants completed the intervention and pre- post tests of EF and PS, e-WM, in addition to symptom and rumination measures. Associations between changes in symptoms and cognition were investigated pre- post. Associations between improvements in CWMT, depression history, and changes in cognition were explored. Hypotheses and statistics were preregistered before data were analyzed. Results Manipulation of negatively valanced stimuli in e-WM showed an inverse association with rumination pre-intervention, but the association disappeared post-intervention. Cognitive functioning improved in most conditions with largest effects in EF. Symptoms did not change in the remitted sample. CWMT improvements were related to improvements in some aspects of EF and PS, but also to worse self-reported attention. Depression history was related to less improvement in EF. Limitations Sample size was small and there was dropout from the study. There was no control group, thus precluding practice and placebo effects and causal relationships. Conclusions Computerized WM training improves cognitive functions and could influence associations between e-WM and rumination. This could counteract functional impairment following MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eivind Haga Ronold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Åsa Hammar
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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13
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Royuela-Colomer E, Wante L, Orue I, Braet C, Mueller SC. Comparing emotional working memory in adolescents and young adults with and without depressive symptoms: developmental and psychopathological differences. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:134. [PMID: 35614497 PMCID: PMC9131646 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are associated with working memory impairments. Yet, comparative studies examining working memory across the developmental spectrum in depressed and non depressed cohorts are lacking. This study examined emotional working memory in 74 adolescents (mean age = 14; 21 with depressive symptoms) and 92 adults (mean age = 22; 36 with depressive symptoms). Participants completed two versions of an emotional face n-back task, and either paid attention to the valence of the emotion or the gender. Both tasks were completed at low load (0-back) and high load (2-back). In the high load condition, healthy adolescents showed a bias towards positive faces, both speeding up reaction times (RTs) when emotion was task relevant but slowing RTs when they were task irrelevant. This interaction was neither significant in adolescents with depressive symptoms nor in young adults. Depressive symptoms did not influence RTs in low load. The results indicate that adolescents with depressive symptoms might lack the bias towards positive affective material at high load WM task present in healthy adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Royuela-Colomer
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Laura Wante
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Izaskun Orue
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Caroline Braet
- Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven C Mueller
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Tapper K. Mindful eating: what we know so far. NUTR BULL 2022; 47:168-185. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katy Tapper
- Department of Psychology City, University of London London UK
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15
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Török E, Kéri S. The Relationship Among Mentalization, Mindfulness, Working Memory, and Schizotypal Personality Traits in the General Population. Front Psychol 2022; 13:682889. [PMID: 35586232 PMCID: PMC9108540 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.682889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with high schizotypal traits are less able to observe, describe, and monitor inner feelings, thoughts, and experiences, commonly referred to as mindfulness and mentalization. High schizotypy is also associated with impaired working memory (WM). However, the relationship among mindfulness, mentalization, WM, and schizotypal traits is unknown. Three hundred individuals from the community (mean age: 38.0 years, SD = 10.5; 49.3% women) completed questionnaires examining schizotypal traits, mindfulness, and mentalization and performed working memory tasks. Results revealed that mentalization was a general predictor of schizotypal traits, including unusual experiences, cognitive disorganization, introverted anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity, when the effect of mindfulness and working memory was controlled. We also found a positive correlation between mindfulness and mentalization. Low mindfulness and mentalization performances were associated with high schizotypy. However, poor working memory was only weakly linked to cognitive disorganization and introverted anhedonia. These findings suggest that weak mentalization is a core feature of schizotypy independent of mindfulness and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Török
- Department of Cognitive Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Kéri
- Department of Cognitive Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
- Nyírő Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Szabolcs Kéri, ;
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16
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Targeting working memory to modify emotional reactivity in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 16:680-691. [PMID: 34524649 PMCID: PMC9010388 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms of emotional reactivity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may help develop more effective treatments that target emotion dysregulation. In adult ADHD, emotion regulation problems cover a range of dimensions, including emotional reactivity (ER). One important process that could underlie an impaired ER in ADHD might be impaired working memory (WM) processing. We recently demonstrated that taxing WM prior to the exposure of emotionally salient stimuli reduced physiological and subjective reactivity to such cues in heavy drinkers, suggesting lasting effects of WM activation on ER. Here, we investigated neural mechanisms that could underlie the interaction between WM and ER in adult ADHD participants. We included 30 male ADHD participants and 30 matched controls. Participants performed a novel functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm in which active WM-blocks were alternated with passive blocks of negative and neutral images. We demonstrated group-independent significant main effects of negative emotional images on amygdala activation, and WM-load on paracingulate gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. Contrary to earlier reports in adolescent ADHD, no impairments were found in neural correlates of WM or ER. Moreover, taxing WM did not alter the neural correlates of ER in either ADHD or control participants. While we did find effects on the amygdala, paCG, and dlPFC activation, we did not find interactions between WM and ER, possibly due to the relatively unimpaired ADHD population and a well-matched control group. Whether targeting WM might be effective in participants with ADHD with severe ER impairments remains to be investigated.
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17
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Bauer R, Jost L, Jansen P. The effect of mindfulness and stereotype threat in mental rotation: a pupillometry study. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2021.1967366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Bauer
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Jost
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Jansen
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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18
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Al-Saad MSH, Al-Jabri B, Almarzouki AF. A Review of Working Memory Training in the Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:686873. [PMID: 34366803 PMCID: PMC8334010 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.686873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Working memory deficits underlie many of the behavioural symptoms of ADHD. Alongside psychostimulant medications, strategies to improve working memory may play an important adjuvant role in the management of ADHD. In this study, we review the role of working memory deficits in ADHD, the evidence surrounding working memory training strategies in the management of the condition, and the factors affecting the success of these strategies in alleviating ADHD symptoms. More specifically, we review several non-pharmacological interventions that target working memory deficits in ADHD, with special emphasis on cognitive working memory training. We conclude that the development of evidence-based interventions such as computerised cognitive training (CCT) could provide an alternative or adjunct to the use of psychostimulants, especially in cases where side effects are a major issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Saleh Habsan Al-Saad
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Public Health Sector, General Directorate of Health Affairs in Najran, Ministry of Health, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Al-Jabri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer F Almarzouki
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Physiology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Shin YJ, Kim SM, Hong JS, Han DH. Correlations Between Cognitive Functions and Clinical Symptoms in Adolescents With Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Public Health 2021; 9:586389. [PMID: 33996705 PMCID: PMC8113386 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.586389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is characterized by the typical symptoms of PTSD, in addition to affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in interpersonal relationships. Children and adolescents with C-PTSD have been reported to have deficits in emotional and cognitive functions. We hypothesized that the following are associated with the severity of C-PTSD symptoms: (1) adolescents with C-PTSD who show deficits in emotional perception and cognitive functions, including executive function and attention; and (2) deficits in neurocognitive functions. Methods: Information on 69 adolescents with PTSD, aged 10-19 years, was gathered from seven shelters. All participants were assessed using complete clinical scales, including the C-PTSD Interview and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and neurocognitive function tests, including the emotional perception, mental rotation, and modified Tower of London tests. Results: Adolescents with C-PTSD were more likely to have a history of sexual assault, dissociation, and self-harm than those with PTSD. The total and subscale scores of the C-PTSD Interview Scale in adolescents with C-PTSD were higher than that in adolescents with PTSD. In addition, neurocognitive functions, including emotional perception, attention, and working memory, were correlated with the severity of C-PTSD symptoms. Discussion: Adolescents with C-PTSD experienced more serious clinical symptoms and showed more deficits in neurocognitive functions than adolescents with PTSD. Clinicians should pay careful attention toward the emotional and neurocognitive functions when assessing and treating patients with C-PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Jin Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeonsei University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Mi Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Sun Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Doug Hyun Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Stavroulaki V, Giakoumaki SG, Sidiropoulou K. Working memory training effects across the lifespan: Evidence from human and experimental animal studies. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 194:111415. [PMID: 33338498 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Working memory refers to a cognitive function that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information necessary for complex cognitive tasks. Due to its central role in general cognition, several studies have investigated the possibility that training on working memory tasks could improve not only working memory function but also increase other cognitive abilities or modulate other behaviors. This possibility is still highly controversial, with prior studies providing contradictory findings. The lack of systematic approaches and methodological shortcomings complicates this debate even more. This review highlights the impact of working memory training at different ages on humans. Finally, it demonstrates several findings about the neural substrate of training in both humans and experimental animals, including non-human primates and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, Gallos University Campus, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece; University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Educational Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, 74100, Crete, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Sidiropoulou
- Dept of Biology, University of Crete, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Greece.
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21
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Deng Y, Hou L, Chen X, Zhou R. Working memory training improves emotion regulation in drug abstainers: Evidence from frontal alpha asymmetry. Neurosci Lett 2020; 742:135513. [PMID: 33227369 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction has been associated with unsuccessful emotion regulation, which can be improved by working memory training (WMT) in healthy populations. This study aimed to assess the effect of WMT on emotion regulation in drug abstainers. We divided 40 male drug abstainers into two groups: (i) the training group (n=20) participated in a running memory task for 20 days, and (ii) the control group (n=20) did not participate in any training task. We assessed the emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ) and frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity while viewing pictures (including neutral, positive, negative and drug-related contents) for all participants before and after the training. After WMT for 20 days, the training group adopted more spontaneous emotion regulation strategies compared with control group. The asymmetry scores of training group improved while viewing negative and drug-related pictures compared to pretest, which suggests that they converted from right-brain asymmetry to left-brain asymmetry. However, the control group declined both in the ERQ scores and the asymmetry scores. These results suggest that WMT improves the emotion regulation of drug abstainers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Deng
- Neuroscience and Intelligent Media Institute, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China; State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence and Communication, Communication University of China, Beijing, 100024, China
| | - Lulu Hou
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavior Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychology, School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavior Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavior Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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22
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Chan RCK, Barkus E, Sun H. Transdiagnostic study of mental disorders. Psych J 2020; 9:157-159. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond C. K. Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental HealthInstitute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
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