Working memory training improves general emotion regulation: Evidence from resting HF-HRV

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Physiology

Background:

• Working Memory Training (WMT) is hypothesized to enhance emotional regulation.
• High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) serves as a physiological marker for general emotion regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of 20 days of WMT on general emotion regulation in healthy adults.
• To assess the maintenance of WMT's effects on emotion regulation three months post-intervention.
• To explore the correlation between working memory gains and emotional regulation improvements.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent 20 days of WMT.
• Resting high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was measured as a physiological indicator.
• Linear mixed-effects (LME) models were used for statistical analysis.
• A control group was included for comparison.
• Follow-up assessments were conducted three months later.

Main Results:

• A significant improvement in resting HF-HRV was observed after 20 days of WMT.
• The improvements in HF-HRV were maintained at the three-month follow-up.
• The WMT group showed significantly better resting HF-HRV compared to the control group.
• A positive correlation was found between gains in working memory and gains in HF-HRV, persisting over time.

Conclusions:

• WMT effectively improves general emotional regulation ability.
• The positive effects of WMT on emotional regulation are stable and last for at least three months.
• Enhanced working memory capacity is associated with improved emotional regulation following WMT.