Training to Increase Processing of Positive Content Paradoxically Decreases Positive Memory Bias in High Levels of Depression

Depressive symptoms are associated with reduced processing of and memory for positive content. These cognitive biases maintain depressive states, and are presumed to be interrelated. This study examined the effect of a single-session training to process (or inhibit) positive stimuli, on memory of new emotional content.

Participants (N = 138) were randomly assigned to conditions designed to increase or inhibit processing of positive content. Then, they made self-referential judgments concerning positive, negative and neutral words. Lastly, they free-recalled the words and completed a depression questionnaire.

Training was effective in directing participants’ processing efforts. However, the effect of the training on self-referential judgment and memory for new positive content was only significant when contingent on depression levels. Positive endorsement and recall biases were negatively affected by the positive training among participants with higher depression scores.

These findings shed light on possible adverse effects of extensive exposure to positive content in depression.