Examination stress and components of working memory.

Full Abstract

Previous research suggests that stress can influence a broad range of memory functions. In this study we investigated the effect of a naturalistic stressor, examination stress, on working memory in young adults. In order to accomplish this aim, participants were tested on psychological and hormonal measures of stress and on Digit Span, once during a low stress period and once during a high stress period. The high examination stress condition was associated with an increase in cortisol and subjective impressions of stress. Although Digits Forward performance did not vary with examination stress, Digits Backward performance improved. These findings suggest that mild increases in stress are associated with improvement in the manipulation component of working memory. However, no correlations were found between working memory and either cortisol or psychological stress. Thus the mechanism by which mild naturalistic stressors improve the manipulation component of working memory needs further investigation.

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Author information

Author/s: Lewis, Richard S (RS); Nikolova, Ani (A); Chang, Dennis J (DJ); Weekes, Nicole Y (NY);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands) (Stress), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 11 (issue 2) : pp 108-14

Dates: Created 2008/04/10; Completed 2008/05/16;

PMID: 17853071, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone - metabolism

Hydrocortisone - metabolism
Male
Memory, Short-Term - physiology
Saliva - chemistry
Stress, Psychological - psychology

Associated Chemicals: Hydrocortisone (50-23-7)

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