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A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers
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Appraising reconsolidation theory and its empirical validation
Natalie Schroyens1,2, Tom Beckers3,4, Laura Luyten5,6
1Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 - box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Re-exposure to memories can cause amnesia by destabilizing them for reconsolidation. However, the reconsolidation theory is vaguely defined, hindering clinical applications for memory disruption.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Memory reconsolidation theory suggests re-exposure to memories destabilizes them, allowing for disruption.
- This process has potential applications in treating psychopathology by altering unwanted memories.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critically evaluate the dominant reconsolidation framework due to contradictory findings and replication failures.
- Assess the theoretical and methodological limitations of current reconsolidation research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of behavioral observations used to infer memory reconsolidation interference.
- Principled assessment of the reconsolidation theory and its boundary conditions.
Main Results:
- Reconsolidation interference is often deduced from behavioral observations, which may be problematic.
- The reconsolidation theory and its conditions are vaguely defined, making it difficult to refute.
Conclusions:
- Caution is advised against assuming all reminder-dependent amnesia results from reconsolidation.
- Theoretical and methodological advances are needed for reliable clinical translation of reminder-dependent amnesia.
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