Post-retrieval Distortions of Self-Referential Negative Memory: Valence Consistency Enhances Gist-Directed False, While Non-negative Interference Generates More Intrusive Updates.

Dong-Ni Pan,Xuebing Li

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.668737

Abstract

According to the theory of reconsolidation, the contents of an original memory can be updated after reactivation with subsequent new learnings. However, there seems to be a lack of an appropriate behavioral paradigm to study the reconsolidation of explicit self-related memory, which is of great significance to further explore its cognitive neural mechanism in the future. In two separate experiments, we adapted a trial-by-trial interfering paradigm with a self-episodic simulation process and investigated (1) whether it is possible to reconsolidate negative memories under the new behavioral paradigm and (2) how the emotional valence of post-retrieval interference material affects the reconsolidation of negative memories. The results showed that the negative memories under trial-by-trial self-simulation can be degraded and updated via post-retrieval interference processes. Individuals whose original memories were reactivated by initial background cues and who were then presented with new interference situations were less able to recall original scenes and showed more memory intrusions on these scenes than those who had experienced new learning without reactivation or only reactivation without interference. Furthermore, the extent and manner of memory change/updating were greatly influenced by the characteristics of interference information. For memories with negative valences, new learning materials with the same valence produced superior interference effects in the form of lower correct recalls and more integrated false; whereas the neutral interference materials can cause more memory intrusion. Post-retrieval memory distortions of negative self-memory may underlie different functional mechanisms.

Highlights

According to classical memory consolidation theory, information goes through a single consolidation process after being encoded, which converts short-term memory into long-term memory
Wang et al (2021) brought some positive results that aversive episodic memory can be significantly impaired via reactivation-updating procedures, even with some unwanted side effects. These results suggest that the reconsolidation of negative memory can occur but that the occurrence would be subject to certain restrictions; so, it is important to find out under what conditions negative memory reconsolidation is more likely to be induced, which can be the key to leading memory editing into real application practice
This is reflected by the finding that the false recall of the Re-I group was significantly higher than that of both the Re-noI and noRe-I groups

Summary

Introduction

According to classical memory consolidation theory, information goes through a single consolidation process after being encoded, which converts short-term memory into long-term memory Once this transformation occurs, these memories are considered permanent and are resistant to change (Mcgaugh, 1966). Using various post-retrieval manipulations, namely, pharmacology (Kindt et al, 2009), behavior procedures (Hupbach et al, 2007; Schwabe and Wolf, 2009; Schiller et al, 2010), and neurostimulation (Censor et al, 2014), the original memory will experience post-retrieval impairment (Schwabe and Wolf, 2009; Schiller et al, 2010) or post-retrieval enhancement (St Jacques and Schacter, 2013; Censor et al, 2014) All these indicated that the initial memory can be substantially altered via a process of reconsolidation (see review Nader and Einarsson, 2010; Lee et al, 2017; Elsey et al, 2018). Several studies have revealed that the functional mechanisms of reconsolidation may stem from the process of updating existing memories with new information in order to maintain their relevance to our daily lives, reflecting a kind of organic adaptation (Schacter et al, 2011; Exton-McGuinness et al, 2015)

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