B - 80 The Effects of Psychological Distress and Retention Intervals on the Fading Affect Bias and Response Time.

Abstract

The ability to exert control over memories has substantial implications for cognitive functioning and psychological well-being. This study explored psychological distress as a negatively related unhealthy variable of memory recollection and the Fading Affect Bias based on memory type (negative vs. positive) and retention intervals (within 1month vs. within 6months vs. 2-10years vs. at least 10years). Participants completed a series of memory recall, emotional intensity ratings, and self-reported tasks. We conducted frequencies to determine the top reaction time period, and an analysis of covariance to examine the relationship between memory type, memory time periods, and the Fading Affect Bias. Participants were 50 college-age students. "Within 1month" for positive memory type (μ= 44,880.74ms) was the most extensive reaction time. "2-10years" for both positive (μ= 19,067.50ms) and negative (μ= 19,303.67ms) memory types were the most rapid reaction time. "Within 1month" (+) had the greatest mean decrease in affect intensity with (92.7%) rating neutral to extremely pleasant, and "2-10years" (-) had the smallest decrease in mean affect intensity with (62.7%) rating unpleasant to extremely unpleasant. Data suggests that reaction time and the pleasantness of which memories fade may be related to memory type and the time in which they occurred. Data also suggests that the rate at which the pleasantness of memories fades may be related to psychological distress Future research should examine whether sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are associated with the types of memories recalled and reaction time.