Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV

Lichao Xiu; Renlai Zhou; Yihan Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004

Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV

Physiol Behav. 2016 Mar 1:155:25-9. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004. Epub 2015 Dec 8.

Authors

Lichao Xiu¹, Renlai Zhou², Yihan Jiang¹

Affiliations

¹ Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
² Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing 100875, China; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China. Electronic address: rlzhou@nju.edu.cn.

PMID: 26679738
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004

Abstract

Emotion regulation during social situations plays a pivotal role in health and interpersonal functioning. In this study, we propose a working memory training approach to improve emotion regulation ability. This training promotes an updating function that is a crucial modulated process for emotion regulation. In the present study, the participants in the training group completed a running memory task over 20 days of training. Their working memory capability and high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) data on pretest and posttest were assessed and analyzed. Compared with the control group, the training group's reaction time in the 2-back working memory task was reduced significantly. In addition, the HF-HRV in the emotion regulation condition was increased after the 20-day training, which indicates that the working memory training effect could transfer to emotion regulation. In other words, working memory training improved emotion regulation ability.

Keywords: Attention control; Emotion regulation; High-frequency HRV; Working memory training.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Attention* / physiology
Electrocardiography
Emotional Intelligence* / physiology
Emotions* / physiology
Executive Function* / physiology
Female
Heart Rate
Humans
Learning* / physiology
Male
Memory, Short-Term* / physiology
Psychological Tests
Random Allocation
Reaction Time
Young Adult