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Memory retrieval of everyday information under stress
Lisa-Marie Stock1, Christian J Merz1
1Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Johanniterufer 15, 54290 Trier, Germany.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|May 22, 2018
Summary
A sufficient cortisol response is crucial for retrieving everyday information after stress. Without it, memory retrieval is impaired, suggesting cortisol increases protect memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Psychosocial stress impacts learning and memory.
- Elevated cortisol levels often impair memory retrieval, especially with simple stimuli.
- Stress effects on memory retrieval vary with material complexity and social relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of psychosocial stress on memory retrieval using ecologically valid information.
- To examine the role of cortisol response in stress-related memory retrieval.
Main Methods:
- Healthy men were exposed to psychosocial stress or a control condition.
- Memory retrieval of a coherent text with daily relevant information was tested 24 hours after encoding.
- Participants were categorized into cortisol responders and non-responders within the stress group.
Main Results:
- Non-responders to stress showed significantly impaired retrieval of everyday information compared to responders and controls.
- Cortisol responders did not show impaired memory retrieval compared to the control group.
- An appropriate cortisol increase appears necessary for successful memory retrieval of complex information.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol increases, not just the stressful experience, may protect memory retrieval of everyday information.
- The impact of stress on memory retrieval depends on the ecological validity of the learning material.
- Individual cortisol response is a key factor in mediating stress effects on memory.
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