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Otstavnov N, Nieto-Doval C, Galli G, Feurra M. Frontoparietal Brain Network Plays a Crucial Role in Working Memory Capacity during Complex Cognitive Task. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0394-23.2024. [PMID: 39029954 PMCID: PMC11315429 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0394-23.2024] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent neurophysiological studies provide inconsistent results of frontoparietal network (FPN) stimulation for altering working memory (WM) capacity. This study aimed to boost WM capacity by manipulating the activity of the FPN via dual-site high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to three stimulation groups, receiving either simultaneous anodal stimulation of the frontal and parietal areas (double stimulation), or stimulation of the frontal area only (single stimulation), or the placebo stimulation (sham) to frontal and parietal areas. After the stimulation, we used an operation span task to test memory accuracy, mathematical accuracy, time of calculation and memorizing, and recall response time across the three groups. The results revealed an enhancement of memory accuracy and a reduction of time of calculation in the double stimulation group compared with that in others. In addition, recall response time was significantly decreased in the double and single stimulation groups compared with that in sham. No differences in mathematical accuracy were observed. Our results confirm the pivotal role of the FPN in WM and suggest its functional dissociation, with the frontal component more implicated in the retrieval stage and the parietal component in the processing and retention stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Otstavnov
- Centre for Cognition and Decision making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics University, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Carlos Nieto-Doval
- Centre for Cognition and Decision making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics University, Moscow 101000, Russia
| | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, London KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Feurra
- Centre for Cognition and Decision making, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Higher School of Economics University, Moscow 101000, Russia
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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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Xu C, Wei H. The effect of working memory training on test anxiety symptoms and attentional control in adolescents. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:101. [PMID: 38414009 PMCID: PMC10900565 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The percentage of adolescents with test anxiety is increasing rapidly. Working memory (WM) training has been demonstrated to reduce anxiety levels and enhance attentional control in individuals. Therefore, we investigated whether adaptive dual n-back WM training could lower test anxiety level and improve attentional control in adolescents. METHODS Forty adolescents were allocated to either adaptive dual n-back WM training (n = 21) or non-adaptive dual 1-back WM training (n = 19) for 10 days. The Test Anxiety Scale was applied to measure individuals' test anxiety symptoms. The Attentional Control Scale (ACS), the flanker task, and the Go/Nogo task were used to measure attentional control. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the training group reported significantly relief of test anxiety symptoms; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in pre-to-post changes in ACS scores or performance on the flanker task and Go/Nogo task. CONCLUSION In sum, adaptive dual n-back WM training effectively reduced adolescents' level of test anxiety but did not improve their attentional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Xu
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 99 Xuefu Road, Huqiu District, 215009, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 99 Xuefu Road, Huqiu District, 215009, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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du Toit SA, Schweizer S, Moustafa AA, Wong QJJ. Can Emotional Working Memory Training Improve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Outcomes for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study. J Cogn Psychother 2024; 38:33-52. [PMID: 38320773 DOI: 10.1891/jcp-2022-0013] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) models highlight maladaptive attention as a maintaining factor of SAD, potentially negatively impacting how individuals with SAD engage with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) content in a therapist's presence. Emotional working memory training (eWMT) has been shown to improve affective attentional control. This pilot study assessed the proposed methodology for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether eWMT, by improving attentional control prior to internet-based CBT (iCBT), results in better CBT outcomes. The RCT would be considered feasible if the pilot study achieved rates ≥80% for eligible participants recruited, study measures completion, intervention completion, and participant retention. Results from 10 randomized participants showed rates ≥80% for recruitment of eligible participants and iCBT intervention completion. Completion of study measures, eWMT and Placebo training interventions, and participant retention were <80%. Results highlight the need to consider strategies to improve the methodology prior to the RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A du Toit
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susanne Schweizer
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Quincy J J Wong
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
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Sun J, Wang S, Mu G, Liu J, Su R, Zhang X, Fang J, Wang Y. Symptoms of depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents: heterogeneity and associations with executive function. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:410. [PMID: 37286986 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04810-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are common symptoms associated with significant morbidity in adolescents. Few studies have explored the relationship between latent profiles of adolescent depression-anxiety symptoms and executive function (EF), which is also a major pediatric public health concern. METHODS The sample included 1,306 participants who were recruited from two schools in Ningxia. The Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) were used to assess the level of depression-anxiety symptoms in adolescents, and their executive function state was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Self-Report version (BRIEF-SR). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was carried out using Mplus 7.0 to explore the most likely number of profiles based on the subscales of DSRSC and SCARED. The relationship between adolescents' executive function and depression-anxiety symptoms were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression, and the odds ratio were used to test the impact of this relationship. RESULTS The LPA results show that the three-profile model was the best-fitting model for adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms. The proportions of Profile-1 ("Healthy Group"), Profile-2 ("Anxiety Disorder Group"), and Profile-3 ("Depression-Anxiety Disorder Group") were 61.4%, 23.9%, and 14.7%, respectively. Additional analyses using multivariable logistic regression suggested that poor shifting capacity and emotional control were significantly more likely to be classified into the depression and/or anxiety groups, and worse working memory, task completion, and better inhibition were significantly more likely to be classified into the anxiety group. CONCLUSIONS The findings contribute to our understanding of the heterogeneity of adolescents' depression-anxiety symptoms and highlight the important role of executive function in influencing mental health outcomes. These findings will guide the improvement and delivery of interventions for the treatment of anxiety and depression in adolescents, mitigating functional impairments in patients and reducing disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Shaoxia Wang
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Guoxia Mu
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Jingru Liu
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Rina Su
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Jianqun Fang
- Mental Health Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
| | - Yanrong Wang
- School of Nrising, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1106 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
- Mental Health Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, No. 804 South Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China.
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Wang YF, Bian W, Wei J, Hu S. Anxiety-reducing effects of working memory training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:269-278. [PMID: 36958492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether working memory training will relieve anxiety in participants. METHODS The PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched up to January 25, 2022. We included random controlled trials with low to moderate risk of bias in comparing working memory training with control condition as the only intervention in treating anxiety (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022300404). The language was restricted to English. Data extraction was independently carried out by two authors, following the PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. RESULTS Of the 477 records identified, 19 studies (n = 1051) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the post-training anxiety was reduced with a small but significant value (Hedge's g = -0.392, p = .009) by working memory training. Subgroup analyses confirmed that the moderating effect of anxiety type, anxiety measurement and training environment were significant. LIMITATIONS These results should be considered with caution for the heterogeneity of training paradigms, participant population and types of anxiety assessed between studies. Further research is required to support these results. CONCLUSIONS Working memory training is a promising intervention to relieve anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Bian
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Shuang Hu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
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Brown CRH, Feng YC, Costin V, Hirsch CR, Wang YH, Wang YL, Chew J, Kenny J, Allen P. Specific Pandemic-Related Worries Predict Higher Attention-Related Errors and Negative Affect Independent of Trait Anxiety in UK-Based Students. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1-19. [PMID: 36284796 PMCID: PMC9584227 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many individuals experiencing increased symptoms of anxiety. We predict that this increase may be underpinned by pandemic-related worry (PRW), characterised by repetitive negative thinking about pandemic-specific outcomes; and that this relationship is mediated through reduced attentional capacity required to regulate negative affect. Methods We developed a novel scale to measure the contents of PRW in an initial sample of 255 participants, and explored its relationship with cognitive functioning and negative affect in a sample of 382 UK-based university students, whilst controlling for recalled pre-pandemic trait anxiety. Results A five-factor model of PRW was identified, with factors reflecting worry about decline in quality of life (QoL) and probability of infection correlating with attention and memory-related errors. Importantly, attention-related errors partially mediated the positive relationship between PRW and negative affect, even when controlling for pre-pandemic trait anxiety. Conclusion PRW's relationship with negative affect was partially mediated through attentional function, consistent with models of anxiety and attentional control. In UK-based students PRW may be predominantly focused on the decline in QoL; therefore, interventions targeting worry about the decline in QoL caused by COVID-19 are especially important in this population in the wake of the pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-022-10336-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R. H. Brown
- School of Psychology, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, Holybourne Avenue, London, SW15 4JD UK
| | - Ya-Chun Feng
- National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Allen
- Kings College London, University of Roehampton, London, UK
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Robledo-Castro C, Castillo-Ossa LF, Corchado JM. Artificial Cognitive Systems Applied in Executive Function Stimulation and Rehabilitation Programs: A Systematic Review. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022; 48:2399-2427. [PMID: 36185593 PMCID: PMC9516512 DOI: 10.1007/s13369-022-07292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This article presents a systematic review of studies on cognitive training programs based on artificial cognitive systems and digital technologies and their effect on executive functions. The aim has been to identify which populations have been studied, the characteristics of the implemented programs, the types of implemented cognitive systems and digital technologies, the evaluated executive functions, and the key findings of these studies. The review has been carried out following the PRISMA protocol; five databases have been selected from which 1889 records were extracted. The articles were filtered following established criteria, to give a final selection of 264 articles that have been used for the purposes of this study in the analysis phase. The findings showed that the most studied populations were school-age children and the elderly. The most studied executive functions were working memory and attentional processes, followed by inhibitory control and processing speed. Many programs were commercial, customizable, gamified, and based on classic tasks. Some more recent initiatives have begun to incorporate user-machine interfaces, robotics, and virtual reality, although studies on their effects remain scarce. The studies recognize multiple benefits of computerized neuropsychological stimulation and rehabilitation programs for executive functions in different age groups, but there is a lack of studies in specific population sectors and with more rigorous research designs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13369-022-07292-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Robledo-Castro
- Currículo, Universidad y Sociedad Research Group, Universidad del Tolima, Calle 42 1-02, 730006299 Ibagué, Colombia
- Ingeniería del Software Research Group, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
| | - Luis F. Castillo-Ossa
- Ingeniería del Software Research Group, Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Antigua Estación del Ferrocarril, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
- Inteligencia Artificial Research Group, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 26-10, 170002 Manizales, Colombia
- Departamento de Ingeniería Indutrial, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Manizales, Campus La Nubia, 170001 Manizales, Colombia
| | - Juan M. Corchado
- BISITE Research Group, University of Salamanca, Calle Espejo s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Air Institute, IoT Digital Innovation Hub, 37188 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Electronics, Information and Communication, Osaka Institute of Technology, 535-8585 Osaka, Japan
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Agassi OD, Hertz U, Shani R, Derakshan N, Wiener A, Okon-Singer H. Using clustering algorithms to examine the association between working memory training trajectories and therapeutic outcomes among psychiatric and healthy populations. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2022; 87:1389-1400. [DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWorking memory (WM) training has gained interest due to its potential to enhance cognitive functioning and reduce symptoms of mental disorders. Nevertheless, inconsistent results suggest that individual differences may have an impact on training efficacy. This study examined whether individual differences in training performance can predict therapeutic outcomes of WM training, measured as changes in anxiety and depression symptoms in sub-clinical and healthy populations. The study also investigated the association between cognitive abilities at baseline and different training improvement trajectories. Ninety-six participants (50 females, mean age = 27.67, SD = 8.84) were trained using the same WM training task (duration ranged between 7 to 15 sessions). An algorithm was then used to cluster them based on their learning trajectories. We found three main WM training trajectories, which in turn were related to changes in anxiety symptoms following the training. Additionally, executive function abilities at baseline predicted training trajectories. These findings highlight the potential for using clustering algorithms to reveal the benefits of cognitive training to alleviate maladaptive psychological symptoms.
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Wei H, Beuckelaer AD, Zhou R. EEG correlates of neutral working memory training induce attentional control improvements in test anxiety. Biol Psychol 2022; 174:108407. [PMID: 35952863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Attentional control theory states that high test anxious (HTA) individuals suffer from impaired attentional control. However, through working memory training it may be possible to improve such individuals' attentional control ability. This study investigated whether 20 days of working memory training (with emotionally neutral stimuli) does result in improved HTA individuals' attentional control ability. Pre- and post-outcomes of attentional control were measured using Flanker and Go/Nogo experimental tasks in a test-related stress situation, and EEG data were also collected. Results only showed a significant decrease in Nogo alpha power in HTA individuals after neutral working memory training (i.e., post-outcome versus pre-outcome). However, we failed to provide evidence for beneficial transfer effects of neutral working memory training on enhanced task performance in both the Flanker and the Go/Nogo tasks. So, the present study demonstrates that neutral working memory training is clearly associated with important neurophysiological correlates while performing the Go/Nogo task, but the transfer effect is rather limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wei
- Department of Psychology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Alain De Beuckelaer
- Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Work, Organisation and Society, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Media Convergence Production Technology and Systems, Beijing, China.
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Edwards EJ, Zec D, Campbell M, Hoorelbeke K, Koster EHW, Derakshan N, Wynne J. Cognitive control training for children with anxiety and depression: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 300:158-171. [PMID: 34983006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive control training has gained traction as an intervention for reducing anxiety and depression vulnerability in adults. There are, however, a limited number of studies investigating such training interventions for reducing symptomology of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. Thus, we aimed to provide a robust review and qualitative synthesis of the available research in young people. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria, and all were randomised control trials. Evidence of the efficacy of cognitive control training for relief of symptoms are reported separately for anxiety, depression, and other related psychological factors, and on the basis of type of cognitive control training paradigm. A lack of standardisation in relation to type of intervention, duration and context, outcome measures and population was observed. Results are discussed in terms of these variations and recommendations for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dajana Zec
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Marilyn Campbell
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kristof Hoorelbeke
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Ernst H W Koster
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Nazanin Derakshan
- Department of Psychological Science, Birkbeck University College of London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey Wynne
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, Australia
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12
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Hoorelbeke K, Vervaeke J, Siegle GJ, Baeken C, Koster EH. Individual differences associated with treatment adherence and transfer effects following gamified web-based cognitive control training for repetitive negative thinking. Internet Interv 2022; 27:100507. [PMID: 35242588 PMCID: PMC8859013 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests beneficial effects of cognitive control training (CCT) on repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a key risk factor for internalizing symptomatology. However, relatively little is known regarding predictors of adherence to internet-delivered CCT as well as moderators of treatment effects for this intervention. Answering these questions could improve efficiency of clinical implementation of CCT as an eHealth intervention. The current pre-registered single-arm trial set-out to address these questions using a web-based gamified CCT procedure based on the adaptive Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task. Participants (N = 382) entered the internet-based study, where we observed considerable drop-out during the assessment phase and the first training sessions. Emotional stability and resilience emerged as predictors for deciding not to commence the intervention. Drop-out throughout the course of CCT was explained by age, emotion regulation-, and personality factors. We used latent profile analysis, a probabilistic modeling approach, to identify clusters of participants (User Profiles) based on indicators of baseline cognitive- and emotional functioning, training progress, and user experience. We obtained three User Profiles, reflecting low-, moderate-, and high-risk status. Effortful control, emotion regulation, internalizing symptomatology, resilience, and emotional stability played a central role in these User Profiles. Interestingly, User Profile predicted training related cognitive gains, as well as effects of CCT on anxiety- and stress symptoms, and reappraisal. Our findings suggest that CCT is most effective for the moderate- and high-risk groups. In addition, the high-risk group would likely benefit from a more intensive training procedure or repeated administration of the training procedure over time to foster long-term retention of training related gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Hoorelbeke
- Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience (PAN) lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Corresponding author at: Henri-Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jasmien Vervaeke
- Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience (PAN) lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Imec-Mict-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Greg J. Siegle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Head and Skin (UZGent), Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Psychiatry (UZBrussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium,Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | - Ernst H.W. Koster
- Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience (PAN) lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Donati G, Meaburn E, Dumontheil I. Internalising and externalising in early adolescence predict later executive function, not the other way around: a cross-lagged panel analysis. Cogn Emot 2021; 35:986-998. [PMID: 33900139 PMCID: PMC8372297 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2021.1918644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Developmental changes in the brain networks involved in emotion regulation are thought to contribute to vulnerability to mental health problems during adolescence. Executive control is often viewed as allowing top-down regulation of emotional responses. However, while associations between executive control and mental health are commonly observed in both clinical and non-clinical populations, the direction of these associations remains unclear. Low, or immature, cognitive control could limit emotion regulation. Reversely, high emotionality could impede cognitive functioning. The scarcity of longitudinal studies testing for bi-directional effects, particularly in adolescence, has made it difficult to draw conclusions. This study analysed data from 1,445 participants of a longitudinal cohort in a cross-lagged panel design to understand bi-directional longitudinal associations between executive function and emotional behaviours across adolescence. Executive function was assessed using experimental working memory and inhibitory control tasks, emotional behaviours through parental report of internalising and externalising behaviours. Cross-sectional associations were replicated. Controlling for cross-sectional associations, early executive functions were not found to predict later emotional behaviours. Instead, early emotional behaviours predicted later executive function, with the strongest link observed between early externalising and later working memory. These results suggest that emotional well-being may affect the maturation of executive function during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Donati
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Meaburn
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Iroise Dumontheil
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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14
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Ciobotaru D, Jefferies R, Lispi L, Derakshan N. Rethinking cognitive training: The moderating roles of emotional vulnerability and perceived cognitive impact of training in high worriers. Behav Res Ther 2021; 144:103926. [PMID: 34242837 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Trait worry is a hallmark feature of anxiety and depression, interfering with attentional control and impairing cognitive performance. Previous research has shown the adaptive dual n-back training is effective in improving attentional control and reducing emotional vulnerability, but not for everyone. The current randomised controlled trial explored the role of baseline emotional vulnerability and perceived cognitive impact in training-related cognitive and emotional improvements in 60 high worriers randomly assigned to 10 sessions of the adaptive dual n-back training or non-adaptive 1-back training. Pre-training, post-training and one-month follow-up measures of cognitive performance were assessed using an emotional Flanker task, a cued task-switching task, and the MaRs-IB task. Self-report questionnaires assessed worry, anxiety, depression, somatisation, and self-efficacy, as well as participants' perceived cognitive impact of the training. Participants with higher levels of baseline emotional vulnerability presented the largest improvements in non-verbal reasoning and emotional vulnerability one month after the training, as well as the greatest perceived cognitive impact. Perceived cognitive impact was predicted by working memory improvement on the adaptive n-back training at high baseline levels of anxiety. These results suggest that the adaptive n-back training presents the greatest emotional and cognitive benefits for individuals experiencing severe levels of emotional vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Ciobotaru
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, 25 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0AA, United Kingdom.
| | - Ryan Jefferies
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Ludovica Lispi
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Nazanin Derakshan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
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15
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Roberts H, Mostazir M, Moberly NJ, Watkins ER, Adlam AL. Working memory updating training reduces state repetitive negative thinking: Proof-of-concept for a novel cognitive control training. Behav Res Ther 2021; 142:103871. [PMID: 34004447 PMCID: PMC8214071 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a proximal risk factor implicated in the onset and maintenance of common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Adolescence may be a key developmental window in which to target RNT and prevent the emergence of such disorders. Impairments in updating the contents of working memory are hypothesised to causally contribute to RNT, and some theorists have suggested these difficulties may be specific to the manipulation of negative information. The present study compared the effects of computerised adaptive working memory updating training (in which the task becomes more difficult as performance improves) to a non-adaptive control task in reducing levels of RNT. 124 healthy young people were randomised to 20 sessions of (i) working memory updating training using neutral stimuli, (ii) working memory updating training using negative stimuli, or (iii) non-adaptive working memory updating training. Adaptive working memory updating training using neutral, but not negative, stimuli resulted in significant improvements to working memory updating for negative material, as assessed using an unpractised task, and significant reductions in susceptibility to state RNT. These findings demonstrate proof-of-concept that working memory updating training has the potential to reduce susceptibility to episodes of state RNT.
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16
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Shani R, Tal S, Derakshan N, Cohen N, Enock PM, McNally RJ, Mor N, Daches S, Williams AD, Yiend J, Carlbring P, Kuckertz JM, Yang W, Reinecke A, Beevers CG, Bunnell BE, Koster EHW, Zilcha-Mano S, Okon-Singer H. Personalized cognitive training: Protocol for individual-level meta-analysis implementing machine learning methods. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:342-348. [PMID: 33901837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that cognitive training may enhance well-being. Yet, mixed findings imply that individual differences and training characteristics may interact to moderate training efficacy. To investigate this possibility, the current paper describes a protocol for a data-driven individual-level meta-analysis study aimed at developing personalized cognitive training. To facilitate comprehensive analysis, this protocol proposes criteria for data search, selection and pre-processing along with the rationale for each decision. Twenty-two cognitive training datasets comprising 1544 participants were collected. The datasets incorporated diverse training methods, all aimed at improving well-being. These training regimes differed in training characteristics such as targeted domain (e.g., working memory, attentional bias, interpretation bias, inhibitory control) and training duration, while participants differed in diagnostic status, age and sex. The planned analyses incorporate machine learning algorithms designed to identify which individuals will be most responsive to cognitive training in general and to discern which methods may be a better fit for certain individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Shani
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shachaf Tal
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nazanin Derakshan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
| | - Noga Cohen
- Department of Special Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Philip M Enock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Nilly Mor
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Alishia D Williams
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennie M Kuckertz
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenhui Yang
- Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, China
| | | | - Christopher G Beevers
- Institute for Mental Health Research and Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, USA
| | - Ernst H W Koster
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigal Zilcha-Mano
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadas Okon-Singer
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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17
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Li X, Chen XL, Zhang YT, Li RT, Bai HP, Lui SSY, Chan RCK. Deficits in maintenance and interference control of working memory in major depression: evidence from the visuospatial change detection task. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2021; 26:122-135. [PMID: 33412994 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1871890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent theories in cognitive psychology suggest that working memory (WM) processing involves a set of specific functions, in particular the WM functions of maintenance and interference control. Previous findings on WM impairments in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) had been inconsistent, partly because earlier studies did not take into account these two different functions of WM. METHOD Forty-two participants with MDD and 39 controls completed the visuospatial change detection task. We estimated the WM function of maintenance, based on performance in trials using the targets only, and the WM function of interference control, based on performance in trials with distractor rectangles. RESULTS Our results showed that participants with MDD had poorer WM function of maintenance and interference control than controls. However, the results of filtering efficiency did not show significant group difference, thus patients with MDD showed comparable impairments in WM function of maintanance as well as in WM function of interference control. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that patients with MDD appear to show generalised impairments on visuospatial WM function of maintenance and interference control. Future studies should use refined paradigms to assess the different functions of WM and their distinctive contributions to symptomatology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behaviour, Ministry of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behaviour, Ministry of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behaviour, Ministry of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Ting Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Ping Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Simon S Y Lui
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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18
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Working Memory Training in Relation to Anxiety, Stress, and Motivation. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-020-00176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Mewton L, Hodge A, Gates N, Visontay R, Lees B, Teesson M. A randomised double-blind trial of cognitive training for the prevention of psychopathology in at-risk youth. Behav Res Ther 2020; 132:103672. [PMID: 32629291 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of online cognitive training as a means of reducing psychopathology in at-risk youth. METHODS In a double-blind randomised controlled trial, 228 youths (mean age = 18.6, 74.6% female) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n = 114; online cognitive training focused on executive functioning) and a control group (n = 114; online cognitive training focused on other cognitive abilities). Participants were assessed online at baseline, post-training, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome of the study was overall psychopathology as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were executive functioning ability (assessed using the n-back, trail-making and Stroop tasks), day-to-day functioning and risky drinking. RESULTS Mixed model intention-to-treat analyses indicated that psychopathology increased and day-to-day functioning decreased, regardless of intervention group. Those in the intervention group improved more than those in the control group in terms of the n-back task, but this was not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no statistically significant effects on risky drinking, or the trail-making and Stroop tasks. CONCLUSION This study failed to provide evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training as a stand-alone intervention for psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Mewton
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Antoinette Hodge
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Nicola Gates
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel Visontay
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Briana Lees
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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20
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Monteregge S, Tsagkalidou A, Cuijpers P, Spinhoven P. The effects of different types of treatment for anxiety on repetitive negative thinking: A meta‐analysis. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical Psychology VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Philip Spinhoven
- Institute of Psychology Leiden University Leiden The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry Leiden University Medical Center Leiden The Netherlands
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21
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Grillon C, Lago T, Stahl S, Beale A, Balderston N, Ernst M. Better cognitive efficiency is associated with increased experimental anxiety. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13559. [PMID: 32180239 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is increased interest in the development of cognitive training targeting working memory (WM) to alleviate anxiety symptoms, but the effectiveness of such an approach is unclear. Improved understanding of the effect of cognitive training on anxiety may facilitate the development of more effective cognitive training treatment for anxiety disorders. This study uses an experimental approach to examine the interplay of WM and anxiety following WM training. Previous studies show that increased demand on WM reduces concurrent anxiety evoked by threat of shock (induced anxiety). However, improving WM pharmacologically or via exercise prevents this anxiolytic effect. Conceivably, improving WM frees up cognitive resources to process threat information, thereby increasing anxiety. The present study tested the hypothesis that practicing a high load WM (i.e., increased demand) task would improve WM, and thus, free cognitive resources to process threat of shock, resulting in more anxiety (i.e., greater startle) during a subsequent WM task. Participants were randomly assigned to two training groups. The active-training group (N = 20) was trained on a 1- (low load) & 3-back (high load) WM task, whereas the control-training group (N = 20) performed a 0-back WM task. The experimental phase, similar in both groups, consisted of a 1- & 3-back WM task performed during both threat of shock and safety. As predicted, active training improved WM accuracy and increased anxiety during the experimental 3-back WM task. Therefore, improving WM efficiency can increase anxiety, possibly by freeing WM resources to process threat information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Grillon
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tiffany Lago
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara Stahl
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexis Beale
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Balderston
- Center for Neuromodulation in Depression and Stress, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Monique Ernst
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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22
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Barkus E. Effects of working memory training on emotion regulation: Transdiagnostic review. Psych J 2020; 9:258-279. [PMID: 32166891 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Working memory training is widely used transdiagnostically to improve cognition. However, more recently, studies using working memory training packages have targeted emotion-regulation outcomes to determine whether far transfer effects can be achieved. A narrative review is conducted of studies that have used standardized computerized working memory training packages across healthy volunteers, affect, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disordered populations with emotion-regulation outcomes. Working memory training has been used in children, adolescents, and adults to improve emotion regulation. Many studies have reported gains in mood as well as emotion-regulation strategies following working memory training, regardless of clinical indication and whether near transfer gains were achieved in cognitive domains. Significant emotion-regulation outcomes include: state and trait anxiety, rumination, brooding, positive appraisal, decreasing maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies, and decreasing intrusive thoughts. It is speculated that these far transfer outcomes from working memory training are possible due to the cognitive and neural overlap between cognitive and affective working memory, and emotion regulation. Working memory training could improve cognitive efficiency, which, in turn, increases the availability of cognitive resources during times when emotion regulation is taxed. Future studies need to consider the role of participant expectancy in predicting outcome measure performance, and including subjective and objective outcomes is paramount to study design. Furthermore, sample sizes require additional attention, given that the current review highlights that individual differences in non-clinical and clinical populations influence the outcomes from working memory training. Working memory training offers a possibility for improving emotion regulation transdiagnostically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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23
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Neural correlates of emotion-attention interactions: From perception, learning, and memory to social cognition, individual differences, and training interventions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:559-601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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