Does dual-tasking neutralize emotional memory and reduce conditioned responses?

Abstract

This experiment tested whether dual-tasking (i.e., recalling the emotional memory while performing a visuospatial dual-task) neutralizes emotional memory, thereby decreasing conditioned responses. Undergraduates completed a differential conditioning paradigm with pictures of food items as conditioned stimulus (CS) and an aversive film clip (someone vomiting) as unconditioned stimulus (US). Following acquisition, there were three conditions: dual-tasking, recall only, or a filler task. Next, in the test phase, CSs and actual food items were presented. We expected that dualtasking, relative to control conditions, would decrease vividness/emotionality of the US memory, reduce CRs and increase willingness to eat the actual food items. Results and theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.