Does stress make it harder to recall memories of overcoming challenges?

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Recalling positive autobiographical memories has been associated with psychological benefits, including greater mental well-being and self-efficacy. Given the known impact of stress on cognitive functioning, researchers investigated how momentary stress relates to repeated recall of selected autobiographical mastery memories, such as memories of overcoming challenges, during training intended to enhance self-efficacy.

During the one-week digital training, 54 participants were asked to recall mastery memories. The researchers used Ecological Momentary Assessment to assess momentary stress, memory vividness, and recall feasibility. Linear mixed-effects models showed that participants reported greater difficulty and less vividness when recalling self-efficacy memories at moments of increased stress, whereas feeling relaxed was associated with easier and more vivid recall.

Participants who had less difficulty recalling memories appeared to benefit more, but neither recall difficulty nor vividness significantly moderated improvements in self-efficacy. The authors called for replication in a larger, more diverse sample and emphasized the importance of considering momentary affect in memory-based mental health interventions.

They suggested that effects may be particularly pronounced if interventions are applied early in a stressful period, when stress is still relatively low, consistent with the strategy of Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions. They also highlighted the potential benefits of combining memory recall practices with relaxation-promoting interventions to enhance mental health outcomes.