The impact of retrieval-induced forgetting on emotional memories

Abstract

Research has demonstrated a phenomenon of retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF), that is, the retrieval of items in a category can induce the forgetting of other relevant but non-retrieved items in the same category. The present study examined the RIF effect with emotional memories, the impact of the timing of retrieval practice on the RIF effect and the utility of the RIF paradigm in alleviating symptoms of negative affective conditions. Participants that completed the experiment included 60 undergraduate students, aged 18 – 24, who undergo the phases of elicitation, retrieval practice, and recall test, and completed self-report measures assessing depression, anxiety, stress, thought control ability, the reflection and brooding components of rumination, sleep quality, and chronotype. Results did not demonstrate a typical RIF effect. However, participants’ anxiety level reduced after the retrieval practices. Additionally, results revealed a significant interaction between retrieval practice and the reflection component of rumination, suggesting that reflection was enhanced by retrieval practice. Moreover, recall varied depending on individual differences in reflection. These findings suggest that retrieval practice possesses the potential to combat anxiety and promote reflection. Besides, reflection may be considered as a potential masking factor of RIF. Future research should further examine the effects of RIF on anxiety reduction and the underlying mechanisms.