An Examination of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Memory Performance and the Utilization of Mindfulness as a Memory Enhancer

Vesey, Lauren (2018) An Examination of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Memory Performance and the Utilization of Mindfulness as a Memory Enhancer. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Objective: Stress levels today among individuals are on the increase due to higher educational and workforce demands. Extensive research has suggested that stress can have major impacts on an individual’s memory functioning. This study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and immediate memory and to examine if mindfulness is an effective stress-reducer, which in turn improves memory scores.

Methodology: 43 participants (23 females, 20 males) firstly completed a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale,
followed by a pre-intervention Free Recall Memory Task. Participants then took part in a 15-minute mindfulness intervention, and finally, a second post-intervention Free Recall Memory Task was completed.

Results: Female students reported the highest amount of perceived stress, revealed from a two-way ANOVA. A Pearson correlation coefficient identified a strong negative correlation between perceived stress and memory scores. A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA indicated that participants memory score significantly improved after participation in the mindfulness intervention, particularly for females.

Discussion: Findings from the current study suggest that perceived stress can have a negative impact on immediate memory and that mindfulness is a successful treatment for improving memory scores. Previous literature, implications, and future recommendations are also discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Cognitive psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2018 14:12
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2018 14:12
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3273

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