Differential memory effects for encoding and retrieving disorder-relevant contents in relation to checking.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Obsessive-compulsive (OC) checkers have been shown to be impaired in memory. However, when encoding OC-related material, OC checkers exhibit superior recall. This study aims to investigate emotion-related memory performance in relation to checking using newly developed OC-specific material. Additionally, metacognitive characteristics such as cognitive confidence were considered.


METHOD
In a sample of 63 participants (including 26 participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder), immediate and delayed recall for neutral stories and for OC-specific stories containing checking- and washing-related content were assessed. Regression analyses were applied to investigate the relationship to checking symptoms. The influence of metacognitive characteristics on recall was also examined.


RESULTS
Higher checking was related to significantly better memory performance for a checking-related story as compared to two neutral stories. However, higher checking was also related to higher rates of forgetting of the OC-specific material over the delay period. Rates of forgetting in relation to checking were mediated by cognitive confidence. Diagnostic status was not predictive of any outcome variables.


LIMITATIONS
The use of typical and not idiosyncratic verbal material may limit the ecological validity of these findings.


CONCLUSIONS
In relation to high checking, different disorder-related cognitive and affective processes seem to interfere with memory encoding and retrieval at different stages. Metacognitive therapy methods might address these processes and thereby lead to a reduction of both cognitive impairment and OC symptoms.
['Hansmeier|J|J|', 'Glombiewski|J A|JA|', 'Rief|W|W|', 'Exner|C|C|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D003071:Cognition D003192:Compulsive Behavior D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008569:Memory Disorders D011939:Mental Recall D009483:Neuropsychological Tests D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales D012044:Regression Analysis D055815:Young Adult
Memory Checking Confidence Obsessive-compulsive disorder