Computer Game Play Reduces Intrusive Memories of Experimental Trauma via Reconsolidation-Update Mechanisms

Abstract

Memory of a traumatic event becomes consolidated within hours. Intrusive memories can then flash back repeatedly into the mind’s eye and cause distress. We investigated whether reconsolidation—the process during which memories become malleable when recalled—can be blocked using a cognitive task and whether such an approach can reduce these unbidden intrusions. We predicted that reconsolidation of a reactivated visual memory of experimental trauma could be disrupted by engaging in a visuospatial task that would compete for visual working memory resources. We showed that intrusive memories were virtually abolished by playing the computer game Tetris following a memory-reactivation task 24 hr after initial exposure to experimental trauma. Furthermore, both memory reactivation and playing Tetris were required to reduce subsequent intrusions (Experiment 2), consistent with reconsolidation-update mechanisms. A simple, noninvasive cognitive-task procedure administered after emotional memory has already consolidated (i.e., > 24 hours after exposure to experimental trauma) may prevent the recurrence of intrusive memories of those emotional events.

Development and testing of TraumaGameplay: an iterative experimental approach using the trauma film paradigm

“…These images were taken from a moment just prior to the worst part of the scene (e.g. Holmes et al, 2009; James et al, 2015). The participants then selected the image representing the participant’s most aversive film memory.…”

“…This film has been used in previous studies as an analogue to real trauma (e.g. Holmes et al, 2009; James et al, 2015). The film was projected on a 180 cm × 240 cm screen using a projector.…”

“…Images were displayed automatically with a 2000 ms interval (Holmes et al, 2009; James et al, 2015). …”

“…In the dual-task TGP2 condition, participants played dual-task TGP2 with a drop speed of 700 ms. In the Tetris condition, the participants played the videogame Tetris Zone (Version 1.2.1; Blue Planet Software, 2007), set to ‘marathon’ mode, on a computer (see Holmes et al, 2009; James et al, 2015). In the eye movement condition, a white dot moved horizontally from side-to-side in the middle of a black background with a speed of 1 s per cycle (left to right to left).…”

Modification of episodic memories by novel learning: a failed replication study

“…Brunet et al, 2008; Kindt, Soeter, & Vervliet, 2009; Sevenster, Beckers, & Kindt, 2012, 2013; Soeter & Kindt, 2012), while the other line showed that memories can be altered with behavioural manipulations (e.g. Forcato et al, 2007; Hupbach, Gomez, Hardt, & Nadel, 2007; James et al, 2015; Schwabe & Wolf, 2009; Schiller et al, 2010; Wichert, Wolf, & Schwabe, 2011; 2013a, 2013b; see also van den Hout & Engelhard, 2012). Using behavioural manipulations, reactivated memories can be updated or disrupted during reconsolidation via novel learning (Ågren, 2014).…”