Does Emotional Working Memory Training Ameliorate Anxiety and Depression? A Meta-Analytic Review

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently linked to cognitive deficits.
• Emotional working memory training (eWMT) is an emerging intervention targeting these cognitive impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analytically review the effects of eWMT on depression, anxiety, and related emotional and cognitive domains.
• To assess changes in depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and cognition following eWMT interventions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search identified 1314 studies, with 16 meeting inclusion criteria (883 participants).
• Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines.
• Random-effects models were employed to aggregate results from high- and moderate-quality studies.

Main Results:

• eWMT significantly reduced depression (SMD, -2.04) and anxiety (SMD, -0.44).
• The training significantly enhanced reappraisal (SMD, 0.38) and working memory capacity (SMD, 0.31).
• No significant effect was observed on rumination; however, training parameters influenced working memory outcomes.

Conclusions:

• eWMT demonstrates efficacy in alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms.
• The training improves key cognitive functions like working memory and emotional regulation (reappraisal).
• Further research is warranted due to study limitations and heterogeneity.