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Related Concept Videos

Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

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Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...
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Low working memory load facilitates attention bias modification training.

David Yap1, Samantha Denefrio2, Tracy A Dennis-Tiwary2

  • 1Hunter College, The City University of New York, Department of Psychology, New York, NY, USA.

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|February 22, 2021
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Summary

Attention bias modification training (ABMT) effectively retrains attention when a low working memory load is applied. High or no working memory load hinders ABMT efficacy, suggesting optimal cognitive engagement is key for anxiety treatment.

Keywords:
AnxietyAttention bias modification training (ABMT)Attentional biasCognitiveWorking memory load (WML)

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Attention bias modification training (ABMT) aims to reduce anxiety by retraining attentional bias (AB) away from threat.
  • The efficacy of ABMT is inconsistent, potentially due to a lack of understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
  • Dual-process models suggest ABMT relies on cognitive control, which could be modulated by working memory load (WML).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of varying working memory loads (WML) on the effectiveness of attention bias modification training (ABMT).
  • To determine if WML influences ABMT's ability to modify attentional bias (AB) towards or away from threat.
  • To examine the role of individual differences in trait anxiety and working memory capacity (WMC) in ABMT outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • 306 neurotypical adults were assessed for trait anxiety and working memory capacity (WMC).
  • Participants were randomly assigned to six groups: ABMT training attention towards or away from threat, under conditions of no, low, or high working memory load (WML).
  • Attentional bias (AB) was measured before and after the ABMT intervention.

Main Results:

  • Attention bias modification training (ABMT) was successful in modifying attentional bias (AB) only under a low working memory load (WML) condition.
  • High WML and no WML conditions did not yield significant changes in attentional bias (AB) following ABMT.
  • These findings suggest that ABMT efficacy is contingent on an optimal level of cognitive engagement provided by WML.

Conclusions:

  • Attention bias modification training (ABMT) is most effective when working memory is engaged but not overloaded.
  • The findings support the role of cognitive control mechanisms in ABMT and highlight the importance of optimizing cognitive load for therapeutic interventions.
  • Future research should consider WML when designing and evaluating ABMT protocols for anxiety reduction.