Abstract
Emotional memories, and especially intrusive memories, are a common feature of many psychological disorders, and are overconsolidated by stress. Attachment theory posits that activation of mental representations of attachment figures can reduce stress and boost coping. This study tested the proposition that attachment activation would reduce consolidation of emotional and intrusive memories. Sixty-seven undergraduate students viewed subliminal presentations of traumatic and neutral images, which were preceded by subliminal presentations of either attachment-related images or non-attachment-related images; free recall and intrusive memories were assessed two days later. Participants with low avoidant attachment tendencies who received the attachment primes recalled fewer memories and reported fewer intrusions than those who received the non-attachment primes. Unexpectedly, those with high anxious attachment tendencies reported fewer memories. These findings generally accord with attachment theory, and suggest that consolidation of emotional memories can be moderated by activation of attachment representations.
Highlights
Emotional memories, and intrusive memories are a common feature of many psychological disorders [1]
Priming words with attachment representations led to fewer memories being recalled and reported fewer intrusive distressing memories if participants displayed low levels of avoidant attachment tendencies
Attachment theory proposes that those with a secure attachment style can benefit from activating attachment representations because they trigger the sense that one has the security of supported others, whom can protect them at times of need [28]
Summary
Intrusive memories are a common feature of many psychological disorders [1]. Biological models propose that memory traces are strengthened by activation of glucocorticoid receptors in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala facilitating noradrenergic signals [4]. Supporting this proposition is much evidence that strength of emotional memories is moderated by glucocorticoid and noradrenergic activation at the time of consolidation [5, 6]. There is distinct research suggesting that proximity to attachment figures alleviates stress responses [9, 10] This evidence reflects a fundamental tenet of attachment theory that during stress we seek social support [11]. Supporting this proposition is much evidence that people with secure
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