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Review
. 2013 Oct;19(9):953-61.
doi: 10.1017/S1355617713000945. Epub 2013 Sep 6.

Oversimplification in the study of emotional memory

Kelly A Bennion  1 , Jaclyn H Ford, Brendan D Murray, Elizabeth A Kensinger
Affiliations
Review

Oversimplification in the study of emotional memory

Kelly A Bennion et al. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

This Short Review critically evaluates three hypotheses about the effects of emotion on memory: First, emotion usually enhances memory. Second, when emotion does not enhance memory, this can be understood by the magnitude of physiological arousal elicited, with arousal benefiting memory to a point but then having a detrimental influence. Third, when emotion facilitates the processing of information, this also facilitates the retention of that same information. For each of these hypotheses, we summarize the evidence consistent with it, present counter-evidence suggesting boundary conditions for the effect, and discuss the implications for future research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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