The effectiveness of working memory training on reducing depression through changing in attentional networks

Depression has always been one of the most common psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of working memory training on improving depression symptoms and triple-attentional networks.

The current study includes 34 Semnan University students selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly placed in two groups. The pre-test consisting of BDI-II and computerized triple attention network test was performed on all subjects. Then, the experimental group underwent working memory training with N-Back for 5 sessions. The mentioned tests were performed as a post-test in similar conditions to the pre-test.

The analysis of covariance showed that visual working memory training with N-Back significantly diminishes depressive symptoms and the function of the triple attention network in students. The effect sizes for the variables of depressive symptoms and attention were 0.382 and 0.704, respectively.

Due to the importance of optimal processing of beliefs in improving depressive symptoms according to cognitive theory and the decisive role of cognitive function of attention in this field, visual working memory training can be said to improve the noted symptoms through changes in the triple attention network. The practical implication of the present study is the usefulness of computer cognitive interventions to improve mental disorders. Thus, it is suggested to use visual working memory in computer tasks along with other interventions to improve depression.