Retrieval practice protects memory against acute stress
Abstract
Protecting memories from stress: It is widely accepted that stress has a negative impact on memory retrieval. But specific approaches to learning can counteract this effect. Smith et al. found that when memory was tested immediately after the onset of stress, stress effects were reduced. Furthermore, when subjects learned novel material by using a highly effective learning technique involving practice tests, their memory was also protected against the negative effects of stress. Science , this issue p. 1046
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Smith et al. (2016) suggested that retrieval practice might protect memory from the detrimental effects of stress and carry over to other stressors such as testing situations.
“This study suggested that retrieval practice might protect memory from the otherwise detrimental effects of stress on memory, as well as carry over to other stressors such as during testing situations.”
From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Smith et al., 2016
In Smith et al. (2016), participants who learned via retrieval practice and were exposed to stress outperformed those who restudied and were also exposed to stress.
“Results showed that participants who learned via retrieval practice and were exposed to stress outperformed those who restudied and were also exposed to stress (Smith et al., 2016).”
From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Smith et al., 2016
Retrieval practice may protect memory against the negative effects of stress.
“Evidence suggests retrieval practice can protect memory against the negative effects of stress on memory (Agarwal et al., 2014; Smith & Thomas, 2018)”
From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Smith et al., 2016
Retrieval practice may make memory less sensitive to the detrimental impact of stress on memory.
“Retrieval practice may make memory less sensitive to the detrimental impact of stress on memory (e.g., Smith et al., 2016).”
From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Smith et al., 2016
Retrieval practice is effective in the context of stressors.
“This aligns with previous findings that retrieval practice is effective in the context of stressors (Smith et al., 2016)”
From Does Retrieval Practice Protect Memory Against Stress? A Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Smith et al., 2016
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References 31 · Cited by 97
- Authors
- Smith, A. M., Floerke, V. A., & Thomas, A. K.
- Affiliations
- Tufts University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Smith, Amy M.
- Venue
- Science
- Published
- 2016-11-25
- Volume
- 354
- Issue
- 6315
- Pages
- 1046-1048
- ISSN
- 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
- 1095-9203
- OpenAlex
- W2556271209
- Cited by
- 97
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 7
- FWCI
- 6.17
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Keywords
- retrieval practice, acute stress, memory retrieval, stress-induced memory impairment, restudying, practice tests, memory consolidation, learning methods
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Female, Humans, Male, Memory Disorders, Neuropsychological Tests, Mental Recall, Stress, Psychological, Young Adult
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