1
|
Karim HT, Lee S, Gerlach A, Stinley M, Berta R, Mahbubani R, Tudorascu DL, Butters MA, Gross JJ, Andreescu C. Hippocampal subfield volume in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment: Effects of worry and cognitive reappraisal. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:55-65. [PMID: 38823204 PMCID: PMC11246796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.017] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Studies have confirmed that anxiety, especially worry and rumination, are associated with increased risk for cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Hippocampal atrophy is a hallmark of ADRD. We investigated the association between hippocampus and its subfield volumes and late-life global anxiety, worry, and rumination, and emotion regulation strategies. We recruited 110 participants with varying worry severity who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and clinical interviews. We conducted cross-sectional regression analysis between each subfield and anxiety, worry, rumination, reappraisal, and suppression while adjusting for age, sex, race, education, cumulative illness burden, stress, neuroticism, and intracranial volume. We imputed missing data and corrected for multiple comparisons across regions. Greater worry was associated with smaller subiculum volume, whereas greater use of reappraisal was associated with larger subiculum and CA1 volume. Greater worry may be detrimental to the hippocampus and to subfields involved in early ADRD pathology. Use of reappraisal appears protective of hippocampal structure. Worry and reappraisal may be modifiable targets for ADRD prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helmet T Karim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrew Gerlach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark Stinley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel Berta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Mahbubani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dana L Tudorascu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Meryl A Butters
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Carmen Andreescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ma Y, Jiao F, Batsikadze G, Yavari F, Nitsche MA. The impact of the left inferior frontal gyrus on fear extinction: A transcranial direct current stimulation study. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:816-825. [PMID: 38997105 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.07.004] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fear extinction is a fundamental component of exposure-based therapies for anxiety-related disorders. The renewal of fear in a different context after extinction highlights the importance of contextual factors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal role of the left inferior frontal gyrus (LiFG) in the context-dependency of fear extinction learning via administration of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over this area. METHODS 180 healthy subjects were assigned to 9 groups: 3 tDCS conditions (anodal, cathodal, and sham) × 3 context combinations (AAA, ABA, and ABB). The fear conditioning/extinction task was conducted over three consecutive days: acquisition, extinction learning, and extinction recall. tDCS (2 mA, 10min) was administered during the extinction learning phase over the LiFG via a 4-electrode montage. Skin conductance response (SCR) data and self-report assessments were collected. RESULTS During the extinction learning phase, groups with excitability-enhancing anodal tDCS showed a significantly higher fear response to the threat cues compared to cathodal and sham stimulation conditions, irrespective of contextual factors. This effect was stable until the extinction recall phase. Additionally, excitability-reducing cathodal tDCS caused a significant decrease of the response difference between the threat and safety cues during the extinction recall phase. The self-report assessments showed no significant differences between the conditions throughout the experiment. CONCLUSION Independent of the context, excitability enhancement of the LiFG did impair fear extinction, and led to preservation of fear memory. In contrast, excitability reduction of this area enhanced fear extinction retention. These findings imply that the LiFG plays a role in the fear extinction network, which seems to be however context-independent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Ma
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Fujia Jiao
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, 45147, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Yavari
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kalisch R, Russo SJ, Müller MB. Neurobiology and systems biology of stress resilience. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1205-1263. [PMID: 38483288 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2023] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress resilience is the phenomenon that some people maintain their mental health despite exposure to adversity or show only temporary impairments followed by quick recovery. Resilience research attempts to unravel the factors and mechanisms that make resilience possible and to harness its insights for the development of preventative interventions in individuals at risk for acquiring stress-related dysfunctions. Biological resilience research has been lagging behind the psychological and social sciences but has seen a massive surge in recent years. At the same time, progress in this field has been hampered by methodological challenges related to finding suitable operationalizations and study designs, replicating findings, and modeling resilience in animals. We embed a review of behavioral, neuroimaging, neurobiological, and systems biological findings in adults in a critical methods discussion. We find preliminary evidence that hippocampus-based pattern separation and prefrontal-based cognitive control functions protect against the development of pathological fears in the aftermath of singular, event-type stressors [as found in fear-related disorders, including simpler forms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)] by facilitating the perception of safety. Reward system-based pursuit and savoring of positive reinforcers appear to protect against the development of more generalized dysfunctions of the anxious-depressive spectrum resulting from more severe or longer-lasting stressors (as in depression, generalized or comorbid anxiety, or severe PTSD). Links between preserved functioning of these neural systems under stress and neuroplasticity, immunoregulation, gut microbiome composition, and integrity of the gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier are beginning to emerge. On this basis, avenues for biological interventions are pointed out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Kalisch
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Neuroimaging Center (NIC), Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
- Brain and Body Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Marianne B Müller
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR), Mainz, Germany
- Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin X, Chen D, Liu J, Yao Z, Xie H, Anderson MC, Hu X. Observing the suppression of individual aversive memories from conscious awareness. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae080. [PMID: 38863114 PMCID: PMC11166503 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae080] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
When reminded of an unpleasant experience, people often try to exclude the unwanted memory from awareness, a process known as retrieval suppression. Here we used multivariate decoding (MVPA) and representational similarity analyses on EEG data to track how suppression unfolds in time and to reveal its impact on item-specific cortical patterns. We presented reminders to aversive scenes and asked people to either suppress or to retrieve the scene. During suppression, mid-frontal theta power within the first 500 ms distinguished suppression from passive viewing of the reminder, indicating that suppression rapidly recruited control. During retrieval, we could discern EEG cortical patterns relating to individual memories-initially, based on theta-driven visual perception of the reminders (0 to 500 ms) and later, based on alpha-driven reinstatement of the aversive scene (500 to 3000 ms). Critically, suppressing retrieval weakened (during 360 to 600 ms) and eventually abolished item-specific cortical patterns, a robust effect that persisted until the reminder disappeared (780 to 3000 ms). Representational similarity analyses provided converging evidence that retrieval suppression weakened the representation of target scenes during the 500 to 3000 ms reinstatement window. Together, rapid top-down control during retrieval suppression abolished cortical patterns of individual memories, and precipitated later forgetting. These findings reveal a precise chronometry on the voluntary suppression of individual memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyi Lin
- Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, United States
- Department of Psychology, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danni Chen
- Department of Psychology, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ziqing Yao
- Department of Psychology, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Psychology, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael C Anderson
- MRC Cognition & Brain Sciences Unit, Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Xiaoqing Hu
- Department of Psychology, The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- HKU-Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dubravac M, Garrison KE, Schmeichel BJ. Effects of task switching and emotional stimuli on memory selectivity. Cogn Emot 2024; 38:480-491. [PMID: 38179666 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2023.2300752] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
It is not always easy to attend to task-relevant information and ignore task-irrelevant distractions. We investigated the impact of task switching and emotional stimuli on goal-oriented selective attention and subsequent recognition memory. Results from two experiments with different stimulus materials (words and images) found that the memory advantage of task-relevant information over task-irrelevant information (i.e. memory selectivity) was attenuated on task switch trials and emotional distractor trials. In contrast, task repetitions and emotional targets improved memory selectivity. These results suggest that both task switching and emotional distractors divert limited cognitive resources needed for selective attention and selective encoding. Emotional targets likely supported selective encoding through the process of attentional prioritisation of emotional stimuli. The effects of task switching and emotional stimuli did not interact, suggesting distinct mechanisms, although this conclusion remains tentative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Dubravac
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Katie E Garrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Brandon J Schmeichel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Souter NE, de Freitas A, Zhang M, Shao X, del Jesus Gonzalez Alam TR, Engen H, Smallwood J, Krieger‐Redwood K, Jefferies E. Default mode network shows distinct emotional and contextual responses yet common effects of retrieval demands across tasks. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26703. [PMID: 38716714 PMCID: PMC11077571 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) lies towards the heteromodal end of the principal gradient of intrinsic connectivity, maximally separated from the sensory-motor cortex. It supports memory-based cognition, including the capacity to retrieve conceptual and evaluative information from sensory inputs, and to generate meaningful states internally; however, the functional organisation of DMN that can support these distinct modes of retrieval remains unclear. We used fMRI to examine whether activation within subsystems of DMN differed as a function of retrieval demands, or the type of association to be retrieved, or both. In a picture association task, participants retrieved semantic associations that were either contextual or emotional in nature. Participants were asked to avoid generating episodic associations. In the generate phase, these associations were retrieved from a novel picture, while in the switch phase, participants retrieved a new association for the same image. Semantic context and emotion trials were associated with dissociable DMN subnetworks, indicating that a key dimension of DMN organisation relates to the type of association being accessed. The frontotemporal and medial temporal DMN showed a preference for emotional and semantic contextual associations, respectively. Relative to the generate phase, the switch phase recruited clusters closer to the heteromodal apex of the principal gradient-a cortical hierarchy separating unimodal and heteromodal regions. There were no differences in this effect between association types. Instead, memory switching was associated with a distinct subnetwork associated with controlled internal cognition. These findings delineate distinct patterns of DMN recruitment for different kinds of associations yet common responses across tasks that reflect retrieval demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Souter
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- School of PsychologyUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Antonia de Freitas
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- Experimental Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Meichao Zhang
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral ScienceInstitute of PsychologyBeijingChina
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ximing Shao
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- Experimental Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Haakon Engen
- Institute for Military Psychiatry, Joint Medical ServicesNorwegian Armed ForcesNorway
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Satish A, Hellerstedt R, Anderson MC, Bergström ZM. Memory control immediately improves unpleasant emotions associated with autobiographical memories of past immoral actions. Cogn Emot 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38653497 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2342390] [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: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The ability to stop unwanted memories from coming to mind is theorised to be essential for maintaining good mental health. People can employ intentional strategies to prevent conscious intrusions of negative memories, and repeated attempts to stop retrieval both reduces the frequency of intrusions and improves subsequent emotions elicited by those memories. However, it is still unknown whether memory control can improve negative emotions immediately, at the time control is attempted. It is also not clear which strategy is most beneficial for emotion regulation; clearing the mind of any thoughts of negative memories via direct suppression, or substituting memory recall with alternative thoughts. Here, we provide novel evidence that memory control immediately regulates negative emotions associated with autobiographical memories of morally wrong actions. Repeated control significantly improved negative emotions over time, regardless of the strategy used to implement control. Thought substitution involving either positive diversionary thinking or counterfactual thinking both induced positive feelings, whereas direct suppression neutralised emotions, regardless of whether memories were positive or negative. These empirical findings have implications for clinical practice as they indicate that memory control strategies could be effective emotion regulation methods for real-world intrusive memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akul Satish
- Medical Research Council - Cognitive and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Robin Hellerstedt
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
- Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, The Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael C Anderson
- Medical Research Council - Cognitive and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li S, Cao X, Li Y, Tang Y, Cheng S, Zhang D. Enhancing ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activation mitigates social pain and modifies subsequent social attitudes: Insights from TMS and fMRI. Neuroimage 2024; 292:120620. [PMID: 38641257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120620] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Social pain, a multifaceted emotional response triggered by interpersonal rejection or criticism, profoundly impacts mental well-being and social interactions. While prior research has implicated the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (rVLPFC) in mitigating social pain, the precise neural mechanisms and downstream effects on subsequent social attitudes remain elusive. This study employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) integrated with fMRI recordings during a social pain task to elucidate these aspects. Eighty participants underwent either active TMS targeting the rVLPFC (n = 41) or control stimulation at the vertex (n = 39). Our results revealed that TMS-induced rVLPFC facilitation significantly reduced self-reported social pain, confirming the causal role of the rVLPFC in social pain relief. Functional connectivity analyses demonstrated enhanced interactions between the rVLPFC and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, emphasizing the collaborative engagement of prefrontal regions in emotion regulation. Significantly, we observed that negative social feedback led to negative social attitudes, whereas rVLPFC activation countered this detrimental effect, showcasing the potential of the rVLPFC as a protective buffer against adverse social interactions. Moreover, our study uncovered the impact role of the hippocampus in subsequent social attitudes, a relationship particularly pronounced during excitatory TMS over the rVLPFC. These findings offer promising avenues for improving mental health within the intricate dynamics of social interactions. By advancing our comprehension of the neural mechanisms underlying social pain relief, this research introduces novel intervention strategies for individuals grappling with social distress. Empowering individuals to modulate rVLPFC activation may facilitate reshaping social attitudes and successful reintegration into communal life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China; School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xueying Cao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Yuyao Tang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Si Cheng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen 518055, China; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hu B, Zhang S, Liu P, Zhou F, Feng T. The impact of past temporal discounting on mental health: Opposite effects of positive and negative event aftertastes over time: Aftertaste and time. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100453. [PMID: 38450251 PMCID: PMC10915560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100453] [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] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Time frees people from bereavement, but also fades childhood happiness, these dynamics can be understood through the framework of past temporal discounting (PTD), which refers to the gradual decrease in affect intensity elicited by recalling positive or negative events over time. Despite its importance, measuring PTD has been challenging, and its impact on real-life outcomes, such as mental health remains unknown. Method Here, we employed a longitudinal tracking approach to measure PTD in healthy participants (N = 210) across eight time points. We recorded changes in affect intensity for positive and negative events and examined the impact of PTD on mental health outcomes, including general mental well-being, depression, stress sensitivity, and etc. Results The results of Bayesian multilevel modeling indicated that the affect intensity for positive and negative events discounted over time at a gradually decelerating rate. Furthermore, we found that maintaining good mental health heavily depended on rapid PTD of negative events and slow PTD of positive events. Conclusions These results provide a comprehensive characterization PTD and demonstrate its importance in maintaining mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
| | - Shunmin Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, China
| | - Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, United States
| | - Feng Zhou
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyong Feng
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ashton SM, Gagnepain P, Davidson P, Hellerstedt R, Satish A, Smeets T, Quaedflieg CWEM. The Index of Intrusion Control (IIC): Capturing individual variability in intentional intrusion control in the laboratory. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:4061-4072. [PMID: 38291222 PMCID: PMC11133188 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02345-z] [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] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Intrusive memories can be downregulated using intentional memory control, as measured via the Think/No-Think paradigm. In this task, participants retrieve or suppress memories in response to an associated reminder cue. After each suppression trial, participants rate whether the association intruded into awareness. Previous research has found that repeatedly exerting intentional control over memory intrusions reduces their frequency. This decrease is often summarised with a linear index, which may miss more complex patterns characterising the temporal dynamics of intrusion control. The goal of this paper is to propose a novel metric of intrusion control that captures those dynamic changes over time as a single index. Results from a mega-analysis of published datasets revealed that the change in intrusion frequencies across time is not purely linear, but also includes non-linear dynamics that seem best captured by a log function of the number of suppression attempts. To capture those linear and non-linear dynamics, we propose the Index of Intrusion Control (IIC), which relies on the integral of intrusion changes across suppression attempts. Simulations revealed that the IIC best captured the linear and non-linear dynamics of intrusion suppression when compared with other linear or non-linear indexes of control, such as the regression slope or Spearman correlation, respectively. Our findings demonstrate how the IIC may therefore act as a more reliable metric to capture individual differences in intrusion control, and examine the role of non-linear dynamics characterizing the conscious access to unwanted memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Ashton
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pierre Gagnepain
- Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Per Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Robin Hellerstedt
- Centre for Technological Biology, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Akul Satish
- Medical Research Council - Cognitive and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tom Smeets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychological disorders and Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Conny W E M Quaedflieg
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Long J, Peng L, Li Q, Niu L, Dai H, Zhang J, Chen K, Lee TMC, Huang M, Zhang R. Acute stress impairs intentional memory suppression through aberrant prefrontal cortex activation in high trait ruminators. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100463. [PMID: 38699400 PMCID: PMC11063604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100463] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Research shows that the effect of acute stress on intentional memory suppression could be modulated by individual differences in psychological traits. However, whether acute stress distinctly affects intentional memory suppression in high trait ruminators, a high at-risk group of stress-related disorders, and the neural correlations, remains unclear. Method 55 healthy college students were divided into high and low trait ruminators (HTR and LTR), Following stress manipulation, a Think/No Think task assessed the memory suppression performance. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was applied to explore the neural correlates. Psychophysiological interaction analyses were used to assess how the functional connectivity between a seed region and another brain region was modulated by tasks during memory suppression, further mediating memory suppression performance and state rumination. Results The HTR exhibited poorer memory suppression performance than the LTR under the stress condition. Aberrant activation patterns and task-modulated functional connectivity in the dorsal prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) were observed only in the HTR during memory suppression under the stress condition. The effect of memory suppression performance on the state rumination of individuals was significantly mediated by the task-modulated functional connectivity between the DLPFC and STG. Conclusions The findings could provide insights for prevention or early intervention in the development of stress-related disorders in HTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jixin Long
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
- Department of Applied Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Lanxin Peng
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Lijing Niu
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Haowei Dai
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Keyin Chen
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
| | - Tatia MC Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Meiyan Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nardo D, Anderson MC. Everything you ever wanted to know about the Think/No-Think task, but forgot to ask. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:3831-3860. [PMID: 38379115 PMCID: PMC11133138 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02349-9] [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] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Think/No-Think (TNT) task has just celebrated 20 years since its inception, and its use has been growing as a tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying memory control and its neural underpinnings. Here, we present a theoretical and practical guide for designing, implementing, and running TNT studies. For this purpose, we provide a step-by-step description of the structure of the TNT task, methodological choices that can be made, parameters that can be chosen, instruments available, aspects to be aware of, systematic information about how to run a study and analyze the data. Importantly, we provide a TNT training package (as Supplementary Material), that is, a series of multimedia materials (e.g., tutorial videos, informative HTML pages, MATLAB code to run experiments, questionnaires, scoring sheets, etc.) to complement this method paper and facilitate a deeper understanding of the TNT task, its rationale, and how to set it up in practice. Given the recent discussion about the replication crisis in the behavioral sciences, we hope that this contribution will increase standardization, reliability, and replicability across laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Nardo
- Department of Education, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Michael C Anderson
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li M, Yan Y, Jia H, Gao Y, Qiu J, Yang W. Neural basis underlying the association between thought control ability and happiness: The moderating role of the amygdala. Psych J 2024. [PMID: 38450574 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Thought control ability (TCA) plays an important role in individuals' health and happiness. Previous studies demonstrated that TCA was closely conceptually associated with happiness. However, empirical research supporting this relationship was limited. In addition, the neural basis underlying TCA and how this neural basis influences the relationship between TCA and happiness remain unexplored. In the present study, the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) method was adopted to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of TCA in 314 healthy subjects. The behavioral results revealed a significant positive association between TCA and happiness. On the neural level, there was a significant negative correlation between TCA and the gray matter density (GMD) of the bilateral amygdala. Split-half validation analysis revealed similar results, further confirming the stability of the VBM analysis findings. Furthermore, gray matter covariance network and graph theoretical analyses showed positive association between TCA and both the node degree and node strength of the amygdala. Moderation analysis revealed that the GMD of the amygdala moderated the relationship between TCA and happiness. Specifically, the positive association between TCA and self-perceived happiness was stronger in subjects with a lower GMD of the amygdala. The present study indicated the neural basis underlying the association between TCA and happiness and offered a method of improving individual well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuchi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Yixin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luo Y, Wang R, Xie H, He Z. The interplay between memory control and emotion regulation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1533:73-80. [PMID: 38323929 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15107] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Memory control (MC) and emotion regulation (ER) are critical cognitive functions for adapting to life's challenges, drawing significant research attention. Accumulating evidence suggests these processes are interrelated, yet a comprehensive discussion of their interplay remains lacking. We introduce an integrative framework exploring the mutual influence between MC and ER, composed of two interrelated branches: first, MC aids in ER through the retrieval of positive memories, intentional forgetting of undesirable content, and the adaptive updating of memory stores. Second, ER impacts MC by upregulating positivity and downregulating negativity in memories. The framework spotlights the need to harness MC-ER interplay for future research. Potential directions include utilizing MC to amplify ER capabilities, training ER skills to refine MC performance, and modulating the cognitive and neural overlapping of both processes to improve both functions. Delving into the MC-ER nexus advances understanding of the intricate emotion-memory relationship and holds great promise for developing novel behavioral interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Luo
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhong He
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Matsumoto N. Meta-memory (prediction) of specific autobiographical recall: An experimental approach using a modified autobiographical memory test. Mem Cognit 2024:10.3758/s13421-024-01541-8. [PMID: 38411779 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-024-01541-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory specificity is known to contribute to better mental health, social problem-solving, and episodic future thinking. While numerous studies have addressed variables that affect autobiographical memory specificity, little is known regarding the meta-memory processes that underpin memory retrieval. In this study, we introduced two meta-memory constructs, ease of retrieval judgments and anticipation of negative emotion evoked, which potentially affect autobiographical memory specificity. Participants (N = 109) first rated the ease of retrieval and anticipated emotions for positive and negative words used in a subsequent autobiographical memory test. We used the Optional Instructions of the Autobiographical Memory Test, in which participants were instructed that "specific memories are better, but other memories are permissible," allowing them to adjust how much cognitive effort they spent on generative retrieval after a failure of direct retrieval. They also self-judged whether each retrieval was generative (using additional cues with cognitive effort) or direct (immediate recall without much cognitive effort). Results showed that for generative retrieval, ease of retrieval was associated with greater specific and general memories and fewer omissions. A more negative anticipated emotion was associated with fewer specific memories and greater omissions, but was not with general memories. These results suggest that low retrievability and anticipated negative emotion prevent individuals from devoting efforts to generative retrieval. The lack of association between anticipated negative emotion and general memory calls into question the functional avoidance hypothesis regarding autobiographical memory specificity. We discussed how participants judged these meta-memories and directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Matsumoto
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Shinshu University, 3-1-1, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano, 390-8621, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hackländer RPM, Schlüter H, Abel M. Drinking the waters of Lethe: Bringing voluntary choice into the study of voluntary forgetting. Mem Cognit 2024; 52:254-270. [PMID: 37749478 PMCID: PMC10896790 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-023-01467-7] [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] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The directed forgetting paradigm has long been used to test whether humans can voluntarily choose to forget learned information. However, to date, nearly all directed forgetting paradigms have involved a forced-choice paradigm, in which the participants are instructed about which learned information they should forget. While studies have repeatedly shown that this directed forgetting does lead to a decreased ability to later remember the information, it is still unclear whether these effects would be present if participants were allowed to, of their own accord, choose which information they wanted to forget. In two experiments here, we introduce a free-choice variety of the item method directed forgetting paradigm and show that directed forgetting effects are robust, both for instructed and voluntary forgetting. We discuss the implications of our findings for notions of voluntary forgetting and for the self-choice effect in memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P M Hackländer
- Department of Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Unversitaetsplatz 1, D-31141, Hildesheim, Germany.
| | - Helge Schlüter
- Department of Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Unversitaetsplatz 1, D-31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Magdalena Abel
- Department of Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qi M, Gai R, Gao H. The effect of chronic academic stress on intentional forgetting. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2024; 77:433-445. [PMID: 37042464 DOI: 10.1177/17470218231171481] [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: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether chronic academic stress could affect the directed forgetting (DF) process. Both the stress group (undergoing preparation for a major academic examination) and the control group performed a DF task. A forgetting cue was presented after a to-be-forgotten (TBF) word, whereas no cue appeared after a to-be-remembered (TBR) item in the study phase. An old/new recognition test was used in the test phase. The results showed that (1) the stress group showed a higher level of self-reported stress, state anxiety, negative affect, and decreased cortisol awakening response (CAR) compared with the control group, suggesting a higher level of stress for the stress group. (2) Both groups showed superior recognition performance of TBR than TBF items, suggesting a DF effect. (3) The stress group showed inferior recognition performance of TBF items and an enhanced DF effect compared with the control group. These results demonstrated that the intentional memory control process might be enhanced under chronic academic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Qi
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Ru Gai
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Heming Gao
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harrington MO, Reeve S, Bower JL, Renoult L. How do the sleep features that characterise depression impact memory? Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:499-512. [PMID: 38054537 PMCID: PMC10754336 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230100] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Depression is associated with general sleep disturbance and abnormalities in sleep physiology. For example, compared with control subjects, depressed patients exhibit lower sleep efficiency, longer rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration, and diminished slow-wave activity during non-REM sleep. A separate literature indicates that depression is also associated with many distinguishing memory characteristics, including emotional memory bias, overgeneral autobiographical memory, and impaired memory suppression. The sleep and memory features that hallmark depression may both contribute to the onset and maintenance of the disorder. Despite our rapidly growing understanding of the intimate relationship between sleep and memory, our comprehension of how sleep and memory interact in the aetiology of depression remains poor. In this narrative review, we consider how the sleep signatures of depression could contribute to the accompanying memory characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Reeve
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K
| | - Joanne L. Bower
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K
| | - Louis Renoult
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gunduz T, Gunduz H, Cetinkaya H. Increase in physiological inhibitory control results in better suppression of unwanted memories. Br J Psychol 2023; 114:908-927. [PMID: 37246968 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12667] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Forgetting or suppressing a memory with unwanted content is just as important as remembering a desirable one. In addition to emphasizing the role of inhibitory control in memory suppression processes, neuropsychological studies have indicated that an intentional inhibition targeting a brain area may exert its inhibitory effects in seemingly unrelated areas through a common inhibitory network. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the suppression of unwanted memories can be strengthened by recruiting an inhibitory task that can be simultaneously performed with a memory suppression task. Therefore, we manipulated the level of urinary urgency-induced inhibition of participants (N = 180) and test its effect on the suppression of unwanted memories using a Think/No-Think (T/NT) task. The results of our study indicated that individuals with high levels of urinary urgency demonstrated greater memory suppression compared to those with low urinary urgency. Findings and their implications are discussed within the context of cognitive and clinical perspectives, and recommendations are made for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Turan Gunduz
- Department of Psychology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Gunduz
- Department of Psychology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ashton SM, Smeets T, Quaedflieg CW. Controlling intrusive thoughts of future fears under stress. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 27:100582. [PMID: 38025283 PMCID: PMC10656271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative outlooks of our future may foster unwanted and intrusive thoughts. To some extent, individuals have control over their ability to suppress intrusions and downregulate their frequency. Acute stress impairs intentional suppression, leading to an increased frequency of intrusions. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the mechanism underlying stress-induced impairments in intentional suppression of intrusions by investigating the combined and independent roles of the two major stress hormones, noradrenaline and cortisol. Healthy participants (N = 181) were administered propranolol (to block the noradrenergic response), metyrapone (to block the cortisol response), or a placebo before being exposed to the Maastricht Acute Stress Test. Intrusive thoughts of autobiographical future fears were then measured via the Imagine/No-Imagine task. Results demonstrated that the stress response was successfully altered because of the drug and stress manipulations. In all groups, repeated suppression of future fears reduced intrusions. Across the sample, an enhanced decrease over time was associated with greater attenuation of anxiety towards the related fears. The groups did not differ in the total frequency of intrusions. Though, trait anxiety increased the total number of intrusions. Our findings show that stress hormones did not influence the ability to suppress intrusions. However, our results do add support to previous research linking anxiety to memory control deficits. When using autobiographical content, future research should focus on the quality and characteristics of the individual memories to explain more of the variation observed in intentional memory control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Ashton
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Smeets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center of Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases (CoRPS), Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| | - Conny W.E.M. Quaedflieg
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hayes BK, Harikumar A, Ferguson LA, Dicker EE, Denny BT, Leal SL. Emotion regulation during encoding reduces negative and enhances neutral mnemonic discrimination in individuals with depressive symptoms. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 205:107824. [PMID: 37673391 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107824] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with depression exhibit dysfunctional emotion regulation, general episodic memory deficits, and a negativity bias, where negative experiences are better remembered. Recent work suggests that the negativity bias in depression may be driven by enhanced mnemonic discrimination, a memory measure that relies on hippocampal pattern separation - a computation that processes experiences with overlapping features as unique. Previously, we found that individuals with depressive symptoms show enhanced negative and impaired neutral mnemonic discrimination. The current study aimed to investigate emotion regulation as an approach toward modifying memory encoding of negative and neutral events in individuals with depressive symptoms. Here we show that applying psychological distancing (a cognitive reappraisal strategy characterized by taking a third-person perspective toward negative events) during encoding was associated with reduced negative and enhanced neutral mnemonic discrimination during retrieval in individuals with depressive symptoms. These results suggest that applying emotion regulation techniques during encoding may provide an effective approach toward altering dysfunctional memory in those with depressive symptoms. Given that pharmacological treatments often fail to treat depression, emotion regulation provides a powerful and practical approach toward modifying cognitive and emotional processes. Future neuroimaging studies will be important to determine how emotion regulation impacts the neural mechanisms underlying these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K Hayes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States
| | - Amritha Harikumar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States
| | - Lorena A Ferguson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States
| | - Eva E Dicker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States
| | - Bryan T Denny
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States
| | - Stephanie L Leal
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, 6100 Main St. Houston TX 77005, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mamat Z, Anderson MC. Improving mental health by training the suppression of unwanted thoughts. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh5292. [PMID: 37729415 PMCID: PMC10511195 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh5292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and depression markedly increased worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with these conditions experience distressing intrusive thoughts, yet conventional therapies often urge them to avoid suppressing their thoughts because intrusions might rebound in intensity and frequency, worsening the disorders. In contrast, we hypothesized that training thought suppression would improve mental health. One hundred and twenty adults from 16 countries underwent 3 days of online training to suppress either fearful or neutral thoughts. No paradoxical increases in fears occurred. Instead, suppression reduced memory for suppressed fears and rendered them less vivid and anxiety provoking. After training, participants reported less anxiety, negative affect, and depression with the latter benefit persisting at 3 months. Participants high in trait anxiety and pandemic-related posttraumatic stress gained the largest and most durable mental health benefits. These findings challenge century-old wisdom that suppressing thoughts is maladaptive, offering an accessible approach to improving mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zulkayda Mamat
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael C. Anderson
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sullivan EC, James E, Henderson LM, McCall C, Cairney SA. The influence of emotion regulation strategies and sleep quality on depression and anxiety. Cortex 2023; 166:286-305. [PMID: 37451185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.001] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for a number of mental health disorders, including depression and pathological anxiety. Adaptive cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies (i.e. positively-focused thought processes) can help to prevent psychiatric disturbance when enduring unpleasant and stressful experiences, but little is known about the inter-individual factors that govern their success. Sleep plays an important role in mental health, and may moderate the effectiveness of adaptive CER strategies by maintaining the executive functions on which they rely. In this study, we carried out a secondary analysis of self-reported mental health and sleep data acquired during a protracted and naturally-occurring stressor - the COVID-19 pandemic - to firstly test the hypothesis that adaptive CER strategy use is associated with positive mental health outcomes and secondly, that the benefits of adaptive CER strategy use for mental health are contingent on high-quality sleep. Using established self-report tools, participants estimated their depression (N = 551) and anxiety (N = 590)2 levels, sleep quality and tendency to engage in adaptive and maladaptive CER strategies during the Spring and Autumn of 2020. Using a linear mixed modelling approach, we found that greater use of adaptive CER strategies and higher sleep quality were independently associated with lower self-reported depression and anxiety. However, adaptive CER strategy use was not a significant predictor of self-reported anxiety when accounting for sleep quality in our final model. The positive influence of adaptive CER strategy use on depression was observed at different levels of sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive CER strategy use and good sleep quality in promoting resilience to depression and anxiety when experiencing chronic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma James
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa-Marie Henderson
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Cade McCall
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Scott A Cairney
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tokuhama-Espinosa T, Simmers K, Batchelor D, Nelson AD, Borja C. A Theory of Mental Frameworks. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1220664. [PMID: 37546472 PMCID: PMC10400359 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1220664] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Problem-solving skills are highly valued in modern society and are often touted as core elements of school mission statements, desirable traits for job applicants, and as some of the most complex thinking that the brain is capable of executing. While learning to problem-solve is a goal of education, and many strategies, methodologies, and activities exist to help teachers guide the development of these skills, there are few formal curriculum structures or broader frameworks that guide teachers toward the achievement of this educational objective. Problem-solving skills have been called "higher order cognitive functions" in cognitive neuroscience as they involve multiple complex networks in the brain, rely on constant rehearsal, and often take years to form. Children of all ages employ problem solving, from a newborn seeking out food to children learning in school settings, or adults tackling real-world conflicts. These skills are usually considered the end product of a good education when in fact, in order to be developed they comprise an ongoing process of learning. "Ways of thinking" have been studied by philosophers and neuroscientists alike, to pinpoint cognitive preferences for problem solving approaches that develop from exposure to distinct models, derived from and resulting in certain heuristics used by learners. This new theory paper suggests a novel understanding of the brain's approach to problem solving that structures existing problem-solving frameworks into an organized design. The authors surveyed problem-solving frameworks from business administration, design, engineering, philosophy, psychology, education, neuroscience and other learning sciences to assess their differences and similarities. This review lead to an appreciation that different problem-solving frameworks from different fields respond more or less accurately and efficiently depending on the kinds of problems being tackled, leading to our conclusion that a wider range of frameworks may help individuals approach more varied problems across fields, and that such frameworks can be organized in school curriculum. This paper proposes that explicit instruction of "mental frameworks" may help organize and formalize the instruction of thinking skills that underpin problem-solving-and by extension-that the more such models a person learns, the more tools they will have for future complex problem-solving. To begin, this paper explains the theoretical underpinnings of the mental frameworks concept, then explores some existing mental frameworks which are applicable to all age groups and subject areas. The paper concludes with a list of five limitations to this proposal and pairs them with counter-balancing benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
- Harvard University Extension School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Connections: The Learning Sciences Platform, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Kristin Simmers
- Neag School of Education, CT Institute for Brain and Cognitive Science University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Danielle Batchelor
- Harvard University Extension School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Allen Drew Nelson
- Harvard University Extension School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Cynthia Borja
- Connections: The Learning Sciences Platform, Quito, Ecuador
- The Decision Lab, Independent Behavioral Science Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ashton SM, Sambeth A, Quaedflieg CWEM. A mindful approach to controlling intrusive thoughts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10966. [PMID: 37414828 PMCID: PMC10326059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37447-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrusive thoughts of negative experiences can pose a threat to our well-being. To some extent, unwanted memories can be intentionally controlled via an executive control mechanism that downregulates the occurrence of intrusions. Mindfulness training can improve executive control. It is not known whether mindfulness training can be used as an intervention to improve intentional memory control and reduce intrusions. To this end, 148 healthy participants completed a 10-day app-based mindfulness training or an active control task. At baseline, inhibitory control and working memory were assessed as measures of executive functioning. Post-mindfulness training, intrusions were assessed via the Think/No-Think task. It was expected that mindfulness training would reduce intrusions. Furthermore, we hypothesised that this would be moderated by baseline executive functioning. Results revealed that, contrary to our hypothesis, both groups increased equally in dispositional mindfulness between baseline and post-test. As such, our exploratory analysis revealed that higher dispositional mindfulness across both groups resulted in fewer intrusions and enhanced the ability to downregulate intrusions over time. Furthermore, this effect was moderated by inhibitory control at baseline. These results provide insight into factors that can improve the ability to control unwanted memories, which could have considerable implications for treatments in psychopathologies characterized by the frequent occurrence of intrusive thoughts. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 11th March, 2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U8SJN .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Ashton
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - A Sambeth
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C W E M Quaedflieg
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yan Y, Li M, Jia H, Fu L, Qiu J, Yang W. Amygdala-based functional connectivity mediates the relationship between thought control ability and trait anxiety. Brain Cogn 2023; 168:105976. [PMID: 37086555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105976] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Thought control ability (TCA) refers to the ability to exclude unwanted thoughts. There has been consistent evidence on the protective effect of TCA on anxiety, that higher TCA is associated with lower anxiety. However, the underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. In this study, with a large sample (N = 495), we investigated how seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) mediates the relationship between TCA and anxiety. Our behaviour results replicated previous findings that TCA is negatively associated with trait anxiety after controlling for gender, age, and depression. More importantly, the RSFC results revealed that TCA is negatively associated with the left amygdala - left frontal pole (LA-LFP), left amygdala - left inferior temporal gyrus (LA-LITG), and left hippocampus - left inferior frontal gyrus (LH-LIFG) connectivity. In addition, a mediation analysis demonstrated that the LA-LFP and LA-LITG connectivity in particular mediated the influence of TCA on trait anxiety. Overall, our study extends previous research by revealing the neural bases underlying the protective effect of TCA on anxiety and pinpointing specific mediating RSFC pathways. Future studies could explore whether targeted TCA training (behavioural or neural) can help alleviate anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chamberlin DE. The Active Inference Model of Coherence Therapy. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 16:955558. [PMID: 36684841 PMCID: PMC9845783 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.955558] [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: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coherence Therapy is an empirically derived experiential psychotherapy based on Psychological Constructivism. Symptoms are viewed as necessary output from an implicit model of the world. The therapist curates experiences and directs attention toward discovering the model. Rendered explicit, the model is juxtaposed with contradictory knowledge driving memory re-consolidation with resolution of the symptom. The Bayesian Brain views perception and action as inferential processes. Prior beliefs are combined in a generative model to explain the hidden causes of sensations through a process of Active Inference. Prior beliefs that are poor fits to the real world are suboptimal. Suboptimal priors with optimal inference produce Bayes Optimal Pathology with behavioral symptoms. The Active Inference Model of Coherence Therapy posits that Coherence Therapy is a dyadic act of therapist guided Active Inference that renders the (probable) hidden causes of a client's behavior conscious. The therapist's sustained attention on the goal of inference helps to overcome memory control bias against retrieval of the affectively charged suboptimal prior. Serial experiences cue memory retrieval and re-instantiation of the physiological/affective state that necessitates production of the symptom in a particular context. As this process continues there is a break in modularity with assimilation into broader networks of experience. Typically, the symptom produced by optimal inference with the suboptimal prior is experienced as unnecessary/inappropriate when taken out of the particular context. The implicit construct has been re-represented and rendered consciously accessible, by a more complex but more accurate model in which the symptom is necessary in some contexts but not others. There is an experience of agency and control in symptom creation, accompanied by the spontaneous production of context appropriate behavior. The capacity for inference has been restored. The Active Inference Model of Coherence Therapy provides a framework for Coherence Therapy as a computational process which can serve as the basis for new therapeutic interventions and experimental designs integrating biological, cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Collapse
|
28
|
Thompson SM. Plasticity of synapses and reward circuit function in the genesis and treatment of depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:90-103. [PMID: 36057649 PMCID: PMC9700729 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01422-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
What changes in brain function cause the debilitating symptoms of depression? Can we use the answers to this question to invent more effective, faster acting antidepressant drug therapies? This review provides an overview and update of the converging human and preclinical evidence supporting the hypothesis that changes in the function of excitatory synapses impair the function of the circuits they are embedded in to give rise to the pathological changes in mood, hedonic state, and thought processes that characterize depression. The review also highlights complementary human and preclinical findings that classical and novel antidepressant drugs relieve the symptoms of depression by restoring the functions of these same synapses and circuits. These findings offer a useful path forward for designing better antidepressant compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fang CW, Chen WR, Chen MS, Yu YF. Role of stimulus types and valence on the affective memory performance of adults with anxiety. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12535. [PMID: 36619474 PMCID: PMC9812702 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12535] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found that the emotion of anxiety in adults is easily influence by negative stimuli However, few studies have explored the effect of stimulus types on working memory performance and cognitive processing of adults with anxiety. This study aimed to explore the effects of anxiety on affective working memory and the role of stimulus types and valences on affective working memory performance. Forty adults were recruited for the experiment and were divided into two groups according to their anxiety levels. The valence and type of stimulus were manipulated in a memory recognition experiment. The results indicated that individuals with anxiety performed poorer when subjected to positive stimuli than for neutral and negative stimuli, whereas healthy adults exhibited the opposite. Furthermore, participants outperformed on affective pictures than affective words, but the effect size of the words was larger than that of the pictures for the difference between the valence and anxiety groups. This study highlights the differences in affective working performance across stimulus types and valences between healthy adults and adults with anxiety. The findings clarified the effect of positive valence and affective words on the affective working memory processing mechanism in adults with anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Wen Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital (Yunlin Branch), Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ru Chen
- Department of Creative Product Design, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan,Corresponding author.
| | - Min-Sheng Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Yu
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
This commentary is part of a special issue honoring Karim Nader and his focal role in igniting the reconsolidation field. The commentary describes in broad strokes the evolution of the field, its branches, major challenges, and future endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Schiller
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Amir I, Bernstein A. Dynamics of Internal Attention and Internally-Directed Cognition: The Attention-to-Thoughts (A2T) Model. PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1047840x.2022.2141000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
|
32
|
Shing N, Walker MC, Chang P. The Role of Aberrant Neural Oscillations in the Hippocampal-Medial Prefrontal Cortex Circuit in Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Disorders. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 195:107683. [PMID: 36174886 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107683] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus (HPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have well-established roles in cognition, emotion, and sensory processing. In recent years, interests have shifted towards developing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying interactions between the HPC and mPFC in achieving these functions. Considerable research supports the idea that synchronized activity between the HPC and the mPFC is a general mechanism by which brain functions are regulated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the hippocampal-medial prefrontal cortex (HPC-mPFC) circuit in normal brain function with a focus on oscillations and highlight several neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders associated with aberrant HPC-mPFC circuitry. We further discuss oscillatory dynamics across the HPC-mPFC circuit as potentially useful biomarkers to assess interventions for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. Finally, advancements in brain stimulation, gene therapy and pharmacotherapy are explored as promising therapies for disorders with aberrant HPC-mPFC circuit dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Shing
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR17BH, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cortisol reactivity impairs suppression-induced forgetting. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 142:105774. [PMID: 35512558 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105774] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To some extent, we can shape our recollections by intentionally remembering certain experiences while trying to forget others, for example, by intentional suppression. Acute stress impairs suppression-induced forgetting of memories. It is unclear, however, whether these deficits are a direct consequence of the acute stress-induced cortisol response. The present study was designed to examine the stress-induced impairment in suppression-induced forgetting in a subgroup of cortisol responders. We exposed healthy participants to a stress (n = 55) or no-stress control (n = 32) version of the Maastricht Acute Stress Test before they performed the Think / No-Think task. Here, participants aimed to repeatedly retrieve or suppress memories of previously learned cue-target video clips to mimic the complexity of episodic memories. Results on the subsequent memory test revealed that, while the no-stress controls and cortisol non-responders demonstrated suppression-induced forgetting, this effect was absent in cortisol responders. Moreover, the magnitude of suppression-induced forgetting was negatively correlated to stress-induced cortisol increases. The current study extends findings on stress-induced impairments in suppression-induced forgetting by specifically focusing on cortisol reactivity. Furthermore, our findings show the importance of individual differences in cortisol responses as a driving mechanism behind stress-induced alterations in our capacity to actively control our memory.
Collapse
|
34
|
The Overlooked Contribution of National Heritage Designation in City Branding and Tourism Management. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The designation of cultural heritage, especially the World Cultural Heritage Site, is extensively discussed regarding its impacts on tourism destination branding. However, the impact of the designation(s) of World and/or National Cultural Heritage Site on affective city image and behavioural intention is still under-researched. This study aims to investigate the respective impact of visitors’ awareness of the world and national heritage status on existential authenticity perceived at the heritage site, affective city image, and behavioural intention. The quantitative research method was employed to test the proposed structural model. A structured questionnaire was sent, and 363 valid responses were collected from domestic visitors at the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, China. The results demonstrate that cultural heritage designation, whether it is a world or a national one, when recognised by domestic visitors, determines the shaping of a positive affective image of the city hosting the heritage site, as well as visitors’ future intentions. However, visitor awareness of the world status and national status does not condition the affective city image and behavioural intentions in the same manner. This research takes the lead to stress the significant role of national heritage status in city branding and urges managerial attention.
Collapse
|
35
|
Abdulmajeed WI, Wang KY, Wu JW, Ajibola MI, Cheng IHJ, Lien CC. Connectivity and synaptic features of hilar mossy cells and their effects on granule cell activity along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. J Physiol 2022; 600:3355-3381. [PMID: 35671148 DOI: 10.1113/jp282804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is an elongated brain structure which runs along a ventral-to-dorsal axis in rodents, corresponding to the anterior-to-posterior axis in humans. A glutamatergic cell type in the dentate gyrus (DG), the mossy cells (MCs), establishes extensive excitatory collateral connections with the DG principal cells, the granule cells (GCs), and inhibitory interneurons in both hippocampal hemispheres along the longitudinal axis. Although coupling of two physically separated GC populations via long-axis projecting MCs is instrumental for information processing, the connectivity and synaptic features of MCs along the longitudinal axis are poorly defined. Here, using channelrhodopsin-2 assisted circuit mapping, we showed that MC excitation results in a low synaptic excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance in the intralamellar (local) GCs, but a high synaptic E/I balance in the translamellar (distant) ones. In agreement with the differential E/I balance along the ventrodorsal axis, activation of MCs either enhances or suppresses the local GC response to the cortical input, but primarily promotes the distant GC activation. Moreover, activation of MCs enhances the spike timing precision of the local GCs, but not that of the distant ones. Collectively, these findings suggest that MCs differentially regulate the local and distant GC activity through distinct synaptic mechanisms. KEY POINTS: Hippocampal mossy cell (MC) pathways differentially regulate granule cell (GC) activity along the longitudinal axis. MCs mediate a low excitation-inhibition balance in intralamellar (local) GCs, but a high excitation-inhibition balance in translamellar (distant) GCs. MCs enhance the spiking precision of local GCs, but not distant GCs. MCs either promote or suppress local GC activity, but primarily promote distant GC activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wahab Imam Abdulmajeed
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Kai-Yi Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Wei Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Musa Iyiola Ajibola
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Irene Han-Juo Cheng
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chang Lien
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wen Z(E, Teng MF, Han L, Zeng Y. Working Memory Models and Measures in Language and Bilingualism Research: Integrating Cognitive and Affective Perspectives. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060729. [PMID: 35741614 PMCID: PMC9221522 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although emotional or affective working memory (WM) is quite well established in general psychology, not much research has looked into its potential implications for the language sciences and bilingualism and second language acquisition (SLA) research until recently. To fill this gap, this paper aims to propose that WM has not just cognitive implications, but its affective dimension may also make complementary and unique contributions to language and bilingualism/SLA research. Towards this end, we first briefly synthesize the cognitive views of WM conceptions and assessment procedures in the current language sciences and bilingualism/SLA research. Next, we turn to discuss the theoretical models and assumptions of affective WM and explore their theoretical implications for bilingualism/SLA research based on emerging empirical evidence. Then, we propose a conceptual framework integrating cognitive and affective WM perspectives and further provide guidelines for designing affective WM span tasks that can be used in future affective WM–language research, focusing on the construction procedures of several emotion-based affective WM span tasks (e.g., the emotional reading span task, the emotional operation span task, and the emotional symmetry span task) as examples. Overall, we argue that affective feelings are also an integral part of the mental representations held in WM and future research in the language sciences and bilingualism/SLA should incorporate both cognitive and affective WM dimensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhisheng (Edward) Wen
- Faculty of Languages and Translation, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau SAR 999078, China;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mark Feng Teng
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Lili Han
- Faculty of Languages and Translation, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau SAR 999078, China;
| | - Yong Zeng
- Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H9R 5X7, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chen S, Mao X, Wu Y. Can't stop thinking: The role of cognitive control in suppression-induced forgetting. Neuropsychologia 2022; 172:108274. [PMID: 35623449 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability to control unwanted memories is essential for emotional regulation and maintaining mental health. Previous evidence indicates that suppressing retrieval, which recruits executive control mechanisms to prevent unwanted memories entering consciousness, can cause forgetting, termed suppression-induced forgetting (SIF). Because these executive mechanisms involve multiple mental operations, their effects may be limited by individuals' capacity limitation of cognitive control. Here, we tested the hypothesis that cognitive control capacity (CCC, estimated by the backward masking majority function task) is an important factor that predicts SIF. Participants were assigned to two groups based on the median CCC and performed the think/no-think task with electrophysiological signals recorded. The results showed that the SIF effect was observed only in the high CCC group but not in the low CCC group. In accordance, repeated suppression attempts also resulted in a steeper reduction in intrusive thoughts in the high CCC group. Furthermore, ERP analysis revealed a decrease in recollection-related late parietal positivity (LPP) under the no-think condition in the high CCC group, indicating successful avoidance of recall. A mediation analysis revealed that the reduced intrusive memories mediated the effect of CCC on SIF. These findings suggest that suppressing retrieval could reduce traces of the unwanted memories, making them less intrusive and harder to recall. More importantly, successful SIF is constrained by the capacity of cognitive control which may be used to ensure the coordination of multiple cognitive processes during suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suya Chen
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Xinrui Mao
- Collage of Elementary Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Yanhong Wu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Key Laboratory of Machine Perception, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Seidel MF, Hügle T, Morlion B, Koltzenburg M, Chapman V, MaassenVanDenBrink A, Lane NE, Perrot S, Zieglgänsberger W. Neurogenic inflammation as a novel treatment target for chronic pain syndromes. Exp Neurol 2022; 356:114108. [PMID: 35551902 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain syndrome is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by several pathological mechanisms. One in five adults in Europe may experience chronic pain. In addition to the individual burden, chronic pain has a significant societal impact because of work and school absences, loss of work, early retirement, and high social and healthcare costs. Several anti-inflammatory treatments are available for patients with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases to control their symptoms, including pain. However, patients with degenerative chronic pain conditions, some with 10-fold or more elevated incidence relative to these manageable diseases, have few long-term pharmacological treatment options, limited mainly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids. For this review, we performed multiple PubMed searches using keywords such as "pain," "neurogenic inflammation," "NGF," "substance P," "nociception," "BDNF," "inflammation," "CGRP," "osteoarthritis," and "migraine." Many treatments, most with limited scientific evidence of efficacy, are available for the management of chronic pain through a trial-and-error approach. Although basic science and pre-clinical pain research have elucidated many biomolecular mechanisms of pain and identified promising novel targets, little of this work has translated into better clinical management of these conditions. This state-of-the-art review summarizes concepts of chronic pain syndromes and describes potential novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias F Seidel
- Department of Rheumatology, Spitalzentrum Biel-Centre Hospitalier Bienne, 2501 Biel-Bienne, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Hügle
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barton Morlion
- The Leuven Center for Algology and Pain Management, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Koltzenburg
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Chapman
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Antoinette MaassenVanDenBrink
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nancy E Lane
- Center for Musculoskeletal Health, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Serge Perrot
- Unité INSERM U987, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Paris Descartes University, Boulogne Billancourt, France; Centre d'Evaluation et Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Cochin, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Nishiyama
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Saito
- Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Göbel K, Hensel L, Schultheiss OC, Niessen C. Meta‐Analytic
Evidence Shows no Relationship Between
Task‐Based
and
Self‐Report
Measures of Thought Control. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Göbel
- Institute of Psychology Friedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐Nürnberg Nägelsbachstr. 49c 91052 Erlangen Germany
| | - Lisa Hensel
- Institute of Psychology Friedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐Nürnberg Nägelsbachstr. 49c 91052 Erlangen Germany
| | - Oliver C. Schultheiss
- Institute of Psychology Friedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐Nürnberg Nägelsbachstr. 49c 91052 Erlangen Germany
| | - Cornelia Niessen
- Institute of Psychology Friedrich‐Alexander University of Erlangen‐Nürnberg Nägelsbachstr. 49c 91052 Erlangen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Retrieval suppression induced forgetting on 1-week-old consolidated episodic memories. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 29:1377-1386. [PMID: 35357668 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Retrieval suppression has been established to cause forgetting on a wide range of memory types, but mostly in newly formed memories. Over time, the consolidation process stabilizes memory and changes the memory locus in the brain, which may affect the effectiveness of retrieval suppression. In two experiments, we examined whether retrieval suppression can induce forgetting on consolidated episodic memories and explored its potential reliance on explicit memory reactivation or spontaneous memory intrusions to destabilize the consolidated memory. We found that, compared with associative interference, another well-established forgetting approach, retrieval suppression consistently induced forgetting on 1-week-old memories. This suppression-induced forgetting was uncovered stably via an independent retrieval cue, suggesting its effect being on the target memory itself. However, we did not find evidence of modulation on the suppression-induced forgetting by either explicit reactivation or spontaneous intrusions. Together, our results extend the suppression-induced forgetting to episodic memories that have been consolidated for 1 week and suggest that retrieval suppression could destabilize consolidated memories.
Collapse
|
42
|
Gracco VL, Sares AG, Koirala N. Structural brain network topological alterations in stuttering adults. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac058. [PMID: 35368614 PMCID: PMC8971894 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Persistent developmental stuttering is a speech disorder that primarily affects normal speech fluency but encompasses a complex set of symptoms ranging from reduced sensorimotor integration to socioemotional challenges. Here, we investigated the whole brain structural connectome and its topological alterations in adults who stutter. Diffusion weighted imaging data of 33 subjects (13 adults who stutter and 20 fluent speakers) was obtained along with a stuttering severity evaluation. The structural brain network properties were analyzed using Network-based statistics and graph theoretical measures particularly focusing on community structure, network hubs and controllability. Bayesian power estimation was used to assess the reliability of the structural connectivity differences by examining the effect size. The analysis revealed reliable and wide-spread decreases in connectivity for adults who stutter in regions associated with sensorimotor, cognitive, emotional, and memory-related functions. The community detection algorithms revealed different subnetworks for fluent speakers and adults who stutter, indicating considerable network adaptation in adults who stutter. Average and modal controllability differed between groups in a subnetwork encompassing frontal brain regions and parts of the basal ganglia.
The results revealed extensive structural network alterations and substantial adaptation in neural architecture in adults who stutter well beyond the sensorimotor network. These findings highlight the impact of the neurodevelopmental effects of persistent stuttering on neural organization and the importance of examining the full structural connectome and the network alterations that underscore the behavioral phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent L. Gracco
- Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Aberrant social feedback processing and its impact on memory, social evaluation, and decision-making among individuals with depressive symptoms. J Affect Disord 2022; 300:366-376. [PMID: 34995703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is associated with aberrant social feedback processing. However, little is known about the impact of these deficits on individuals' memory, social evaluation, and social decision-making. METHODS We examined event-related potentials (ERPs) during the processing of social feedback with different emotional valences and intensities, among individuals with high and low depressive symptoms. After three days, participants performed a recall test, along with social evaluation and money allocation. RESULTS Compared with the control group, participants with depressive symptoms showed larger occipital P1 and parietal P3 amplitudes to negative social feedback, as well as larger frontal feedback-related negativity toward highly positive social feedback; this indicates toward altered attentional allocation, encoding, and anticipation in social feedback processing. After three days of social feedback processing, individuals in the depressive symptom group recalled negative social feedback better and gave less positive evaluations and allocated less money to the senders of highly negative social feedback compared with control group participants. Notably, ERPs predicted subsequent memory, social evaluation, and decision-making, suggesting a significant impact of aberrant social feedback processing on social cognition and behaviors in depression. LIMITATIONS Individuals with depressive symptoms rather than patients with depressive disorders were recruited and therefore caution is needed in applying the findings to clinical populations. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with depressive symptoms exhibit negative bias in anticipation, attentional allocation, and encoding processes during social feedback processing, which further influences their memory, social evaluation, and social decision-making in the long run. These aberrant biases should be targeted to prevent the development of major depressive disorders.
Collapse
|
44
|
Hensel L, Rohleder N, Niessen C. Effects of psychosocial stress on prosociality: the moderating role of current life stress and thought control. Stress 2022; 25:235-245. [PMID: 35713555 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2054697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, only a few studies have examined whether and when stressed individuals are still prosocially motivated and willing to help others, which is in contrast to the relevance and importance that helping others has for our society. The present study investigates the impact of affective and biopsychological acute stress responses on prosociality (prosocial motivation, helping behavior) under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, it was examined whether this relationship is affected by individuals' current life stress and the cognitive ability to keep stress-related thoughts at bay. To induce acute stress responses (heart rate, negative affect, salivary alpha-amylase, cortisol), 55 individuals (28 women, M = 24 years old, SD = 4.53) were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Current life stress (cortisol) was assessed over two days of participants' everyday lives. Thought control ability was assessed with the think/no-think paradigm and was additionally manipulated after the acute stress intervention (TSST) via instructions. The results showed that acute stress was positively associated with prosociality. Specifically, negative affect was positively related to prosocial motivation and salivary alpha-amylase was positively associated with helping behavior. Current life stress moderated the relationship between salivary cortisol and helping behavior: the association was positive at low levels of current life stress. The instruction to control one's thoughts but not participants' general ability to do so reduced stress responses (negative affect). In sum, the findings suggest that prosociality increases following acute stress and that this effect depends on the level of current life stress. Additionally, adopting the strategy of controlling stress-related thoughts was found to be promising for attenuating individuals' stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hensel
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Work and Organizational Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Health Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Niessen
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Work and Organizational Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Anderson MC, Floresco SB. Prefrontal-hippocampal interactions supporting the extinction of emotional memories: the retrieval stopping model. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:180-195. [PMID: 34446831 PMCID: PMC8616908 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01131-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging has revealed robust interactions between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus when people stop memory retrieval. Efforts to stop retrieval can arise when people encounter reminders to unpleasant thoughts they prefer not to think about. Retrieval stopping suppresses hippocampal and amygdala activity, especially when cues elicit aversive memory intrusions, via a broad inhibitory control capacity enabling prepotent response suppression. Repeated retrieval stopping reduces intrusions of unpleasant memories and diminishes their affective tone, outcomes resembling those achieved by the extinction of conditioned emotional responses. Despite this resemblance, the role of inhibitory fronto-hippocampal interactions and retrieval stopping broadly in extinction has received little attention. Here we integrate human and animal research on extinction and retrieval stopping. We argue that reconceptualising extinction to integrate mnemonic inhibitory control with learning would yield a greater understanding of extinction's relevance to mental health. We hypothesize that fear extinction spontaneously engages retrieval stopping across species, and that controlled suppression of hippocampal and amygdala activity by the prefrontal cortex reduces fearful thoughts. Moreover, we argue that retrieval stopping recruits extinction circuitry to achieve affect regulation, linking extinction to how humans cope with intrusive thoughts. We discuss novel hypotheses derived from this theoretical synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Anderson
- MRC Cognition & Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology, and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
EEG evidence that morally relevant autobiographical memories can be suppressed. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 22:1290-1310. [PMID: 35986196 PMCID: PMC9622558 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Remembering unpleasant events can trigger negative feelings. Fortunately, research indicates that unwanted retrieval can be suppressed to prevent memories from intruding into awareness, improving our mental state. The current scientific understanding of retrieval suppression, however, is based mostly on simpler memories, such as associations between words or pictures, which may not reflect how people control unpleasant memory intrusions in everyday life. Here, we investigated the neural and behavioural dynamics of suppressing personal and emotional autobiographical memories using a modified version of the Think/No-Think task. We asked participants to suppress memories of their own past immoral actions, which were hypothesised to be both highly intrusive and motivating to suppress. We report novel evidence from behavioural, ERP, and EEG oscillation measures that autobiographical memory retrieval can be suppressed and suggest that autobiographical suppression recruits similar neurocognitive mechanisms as suppression of simple laboratory associations. Suppression did fail sometimes, and EEG oscillations indicated that such memory intrusions occurred from lapses in sustained control. Importantly, however, participants improved at limiting intrusions with repeated practice. Furthermore, both behavioural and EEG evidence indicated that intentional suppression may be more difficult for memories of our morally wrong actions than memories of our morally right actions. The findings elucidate the neurocognitive correlates of autobiographical retrieval suppression and have implications for theories of morally motivated memory control.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sottile RJ, Vida T. A proposed mechanism for the MDMA-mediated extinction of traumatic memories in PTSD patients treated with MDMA-assisted therapy. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:991753. [PMID: 36311515 PMCID: PMC9596814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.991753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating psychiatric disorder afflicting millions of people around the world. Characterized by severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, pervasive nightmares, an assortment of somatic symptoms, associations with severe long-term health problems, and an elevated risk of suicide, as much as 40-70% of patients suffer from refractory disease. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), like classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, have been used to enhance the efficacy of psychotherapy almost since their discovery, but due to their perceived potential for abuse and inclusion on USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) schedule 1, research into the mechanism by which they produce improvements in PTSD symptomology has been limited. Nevertheless, several compelling rationales have been explored, with the pro-social effects of MDMA thought to enhance therapeutic alliance and thus facilitate therapist-assisted trauma processing. This may be insufficient to fully explain the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Molecular mechanisms such as the MDMA mediated increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) availability in the fear memory learning pathways combined with MDMA's pro-social effects may provide a more nuanced explanation for the therapeutic actions of MDMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Sottile
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Thomas Vida
- Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Beltrán D, Liu B, de Vega M. Inhibitory Mechanisms in the Processing of Negations: A Neural Reuse Hypothesis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2021; 50:1243-1260. [PMID: 34383177 PMCID: PMC8660707 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-021-09796-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Negation is known to have inhibitory consequences for the information under its scope. However, how it produces such effects remains poorly understood. Recently, it has been proposed that negation processing might be implemented at the neural level by the recruitment of inhibitory and cognitive control mechanisms. On this line, this manuscript offers the hypothesis that negation reuses general-domain mechanisms that subserve inhibition in other non-linguistic cognitive functions. The first two sections describe the inhibitory effects of negation on conceptual representations and its embodied effects, as well as the theoretical foundations for the reuse hypothesis. The next section describes the neurophysiological evidence that linguistic negation interacts with response inhibition, along with the suggestion that both functions share inhibitory mechanisms. Finally, the manuscript concludes that the functional relation between negation and inhibition observed at the mechanistic level could be easily integrated with predominant cognitive models of negation processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Beltrán
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Bo Liu
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
- School of Foreign Languages, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Manuel de Vega
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kraljević N, Schaare HL, Eickhoff SB, Kochunov P, Yeo BTT, Kharabian Masouleh S, Valk SL. Behavioral, Anatomical and Heritable Convergence of Affect and Cognition in Superior Frontal Cortex. Neuroimage 2021; 243:118561. [PMID: 34506912 PMCID: PMC8526801 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive abilities and affective experience are key human traits that are interrelated in behavior and brain. Individual variation of cognitive and affective traits, as well as brain structure, has been shown to partly underlie genetic effects. However, to what extent affect and cognition have a shared genetic relationship with local brain structure is incompletely understood. Here we studied phenotypic and genetic correlations of cognitive and affective traits in behavior and brain structure (cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes) in the pedigree-based Human Connectome Project sample (N = 1091). Both cognitive and affective trait scores were highly heritable and showed significant phenotypic correlation on the behavioral level. Cortical thickness in the left superior frontal cortex showed a phenotypic association with both affect and cognition. Decomposing the phenotypic correlations into genetic and environmental components showed that the associations were accounted for by shared genetic effects between the traits. Quantitative functional decoding of the left superior frontal cortex further indicated that this region is associated with cognitive and emotional functioning. This study provides a multi-level approach to study the association between affect and cognition and suggests a convergence of both in superior frontal cortical thickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Kraljević
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behaviour), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - H Lina Schaare
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behaviour), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Otto Hahn group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1A, Leipzig 04103, Germany.
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behaviour), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - B T Thomas Yeo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Centre for Translational MR Research, N.1 Institute for Health and Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shahrzad Kharabian Masouleh
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behaviour), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7: Brain and Behaviour), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Otto Hahn group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1A, Leipzig 04103, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yang W, Jia H, Feng Q, Wei D, Qiu J, Hulbert JC. Functional connectivity between right-lateralized ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and insula mediates reappraisal's link to memory control. J Affect Disord 2021; 290:316-323. [PMID: 34020206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory control (MC) ability is critical for people's mental and physical health. Previous research had conceptually demonstrated that MC ability has close relationship with reappraisal. However, experimental evidence supporting the relationship was limited. Thus, in the present study, we investigated how MC and reappraisal are linked, both in behavior and in the brain. METHODS The habitual use of reappraisal was assessed by Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and memory control ability was measured through directed forgetting task. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to test the seed-based functional connectivity in 181 healthy subjects. RESULTS Behavioral results revealed that more frequent reappraisal was associated with an enhanced ability to control negative memories. Resting-state seed-based functional connectivity showed that habitual use of reappraisal was positively related to the strength of functional connectivity between the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and right insula. Most importantly, this functional connectivity mediated the effect of habitual use of reappraisal on control over negative memories. LIMITATIONS Present results mainly showed the habitual use of reappraisal was related with MC ability in negative items. Future study could further explore the relationship between MC ability of different categories of negative emotional memories and other kinds of ER strategies. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the notion that reappraisal provides opportunities for individuals to practice and enhance inhibitory control-a relationship underpinned by connectivity between the right VLPFC and right insula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiuyang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dongtao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China; Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal University.
| | - Justin C Hulbert
- Psychology Program, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504, USA
| |
Collapse
|