Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV
Highlights
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- The training group's working memory capacity was increased after training.
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- The HF-HRV in emotion regulation condition was enhanced by training.
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- Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability.
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
- Emotion regulation;
- Working memory training;
- High-frequency HRV;
- Attention control
