ABSTRACT
Despite some studies indicating improving role of stress on memory consolidation, very few animal and human studies show that stress impairs reconsolidation of memories. This study aimed to determine the effect of stress on autobiographical memory reconsolidation. The present study was done with an experimental method [Solomon Four-Group design]. The statistical society of this study was all undergraduate female students in 2009-2010 academic year at Tabriz University. Forty students were selected using random cluster sampling, and we ensure about their physical and mental health by GHQ-28 and interview. Tools for this study were cueing autobiographical memory test, SECPT [for raising blood pressure and stress induction], autobiographical memory test, PANAS and general health questionnaire [GHQ-28]. MANOVA was used for data analysis by SPSS-17. The results show that stress after activation of memory impairs memory for neutral events [p<0.001], while there was no such effect on the memory for emotional events [p>0.05]. None of stress and memory activation alone had effect on memory performance [p>0.05]. These findings indicate that stress impairs autobiographical memory reconsolidation, which is opposite to its effects on memory consolidation, so it supports the view that consolidation and reconsolidation are separate process.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to examine the sensitivity level of Behavioral Approach System [BAS] and Behavioral Inhibition System [BIS] as probable predisposing factors for substance abuse. To this end, the difference of sensitivity levels of BAS and BIS were assessed in substance abusers, cigarette smokers, and normal individuals. The present causal-comparative study compared the sensitivity levels of approach and inhibition behavioral systems in the following three groups: substance abusers [n=43], cigarette smokers [n=45] and normal individuals [n=55], using BIS/BAS scales. Data were analyzed using X[2] distribution, one way analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and follow-up tests. The scores of BAS subscale in substance abusers and cigarette smokers were higher than that of normal individuals [p