Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV

Xiu, Lichao; Zhou, Renlai; Jiang, Yihan

doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004

Cited by 82Neural and Behavioral Psychology StudiesHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlCognitive Abilities and Testing

Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV

Xiu, Lichao, Zhou, Renlai, Jiang, Yihan·2016·Physiology & Behavior

DOI 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004

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Abstract

Emotion regulation during social situations plays a pivotal role in health and interpersonal functioning. In this study, we propose a working memory training approach to improve emotion regulation ability. This training promotes an updating function that is a crucial modulated process for emotion regulation. In the present study, the participants in the training group completed a running memory task over 20 days of training. Their working memory capability and high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) data on pretest and posttest were assessed and analyzed. Compared with the control group, the training group's reaction time in the 2-back working memory task was reduced significantly. In addition, the HF-HRV in the emotion regulation condition was increased after the 20-day training, which indicates that the working memory training effect could transfer to emotion regulation. In other words, working memory training improved emotion regulation ability.

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Using the running memory paradigm as a training task, studies demonstrated nearest transfer effects on other WMU tasks such as the n-back task, and far transfer to episodic memory tasks.
“using the running memory paradigm as a training task, different authors demonstrated nearest transfer effects on other WMU tasks, such as the n-back task [25–28], and far transfer to episodic memory tasks [27].”
From Nearest transfer effects of working memory training: A comparison of two programs focused on working memory updating (2019) · cites this paper as [28]

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Working memory training improves general emotion regulation: Evidence from resting HF-HRV
Long, F., Chen, L., Zhou, W., Oei, T. P. S., & Zhou, R. (2025) · Neuropsychological Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/09602011.2025.2487430
HRV evidence for the improvement of emotion regulation in university students with depression tendency by working memory training
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Working Memory Training Improves Emotion Regulation Ability
Xiu, L., Wu, J., Chang, L., & Zhou, R. (2018) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-31495-2 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Self-citation
The effect of working memory training on emotion and emotion regulation: a three-level meta-analysisPreprint
Cui, X., Zhang, S., Yu, S., & XuebingLi (n.d.) · OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
The Neural Mechanism of Working Memory Training Improving Emotion Regulation
Wang, X., Pan, D., & Li, X. (2019) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-37078-7_8 · Cited by 3 · see citing works

Authors: Xiu, L., Zhou, R., & Jiang, Y.
Affiliations: Beijing Normal University (CN)
Corresponding author: Zhou, Renlai
ORCID: Zhou, Renlai
Venue: Physiology & Behavior
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2016-03
Volume: 155
Pages: 25-29
ISSN: 0031-9384 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.004
OpenAlex: W2196004753
Cited by: 82
References: 22
Citations by year: 2026: 5 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 6
FWCI: 2.60
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations: Physiology & Behavior (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Basic Research Program of China (2011CB711000)
Joint-Construction Project of the Beijing City Board of Education (403101)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
Keywords: working memory training, emotion regulation, heart rate variability, high-frequency HRV, 2-back task, reaction time, transfer of training, social conditions
MeSH terms: Attention, Electrocardiography, Emotions, Female, Heart Rate, Humans, Learning, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Psychological Tests, Random Allocation, Reaction Time, Young Adult, Executive Function, Emotional Intelligence

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Working memory training improves emotion regulation ability: Evidence from HRV

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