A systematic exploratory review investigating the relationship between working memory and emotion regulation : Implications for working memory training

Abstract

Rationale: Working memory and emotion regulation share a neural network and are influenced by levels of stress. Training working memory as an intervention strategy to improve emotion regulation has become popular in cognitive psychology. This systematic exploratory review investigates how the working memory-emotion regulation dyad and stress are implicated in working memory training in young adults. It argues the potential of working memory training to improve emotion regulation. Method: Systematic review protocols were followed for the selection of studies using working memory training to facilitate emotion regulation functioning in young adults. An electronic database search following the PRISMA statement was conducted in which 15 studies were considered eligible. The eligible studies were assessed for quality control and analysed using the PVO (population, variables and outcomes) strategy for systematic exploratory reviews. Results: From a neural perspective, the coupling of the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex over the amygdala, as well as dopamine release (involved in brain-reward circuitry), was implicated in working memory training to facilitate emotion regulation functioning. Stress was shown to be underrepresented and several studies were lacking ethical consideration and quality control. There is evidence of inconsistencies across studies and against the conceptual framework. Conclusion: The mechanisms of reward-enhancing effects in working memory training should be explored, allowing researchers to re-evaluate the direction that the investigation in working memory and emotion regulation is taking. There is a dire need for quality control to ensure that future research is founded on quality evidence.