Abstract
Some studies have demonstrated a beneficial role of Positive Affect on working memory (WM) by either applying protocols of mood induction or assessing naturally occurring state Positive Affect. However, there are no studies directly linking Positive Affect as a stable personality-like trait with WM. We aimed to address this potential relationship using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale and contra-lateral delay activity (CDA) as measures of trait Positive Affect and WM Capacity, respectively. We also sought to investigate the impact of a neutral or unpleasant emotional state on this relationship. Participants performed a change detection task, while a neutral or an unpleasant emotional state was induced. Our results showed a positive robust correlation between trait Positive Affect and WM Capacity for both neutral and unpleasant emotional states, as revealed by the neuroelectrophysiological gold-standard measure of WM, namely, CDA. These data suggest a tangible role of trait Positive Affect in the cognitive ability of maintaining goal-relevant information in WM, such that even a highly disruptive state is not sufficient to corrupt this relationship.
Highlights
Positive emotions can lead to feeling more active and enthusiastic, and they have been associated with psychological health (Vazquez, 2017) and well-being (Burton and King, 2009)
contra-lateral delay activity (CDA)’s amplitudes for neutral and unpleasant emotional states did not differ during the 2-squares condition, p = 0.25
We provide strong evidence for the beneficial effect of Positive Affect on Working memory (WM) Capacity
Summary
Positive emotions can lead to feeling more active and enthusiastic, and they have been associated with psychological health (Vazquez, 2017) and well-being (Burton and King, 2009). The amount and the tendency to experience positive emotions are together known as Positive Affect, which can be described from the perspective of either a transient mood (state) or a stable personality (trait) (Watson et al, 1988). Positive Affect is associated with more frequent and intense episodes of pleasant state (Watson and Tellegen, 1985; Watson, 2002). Working memory (WM) is a cognitive system with limited capacity responsible for keeping goal-relevant information in focus (Goldman-Rakic, 1996; Cowan, 2001; Baddeley, 2012). WM allows the manipulation, use, and recall of relevant information and, if necessary, enables behavior
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
