The impact of self-affirmation on working memory and self-control

Abstract

Background: Self-affirmation – the act of reflecting upon a personally important value – has been successfully employed in health interventions and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on health-related attitudes and behaviours. Recent studies have demonstrated that self-affirmed individuals perform better at tasks measuring working memory and self-control, compared to non-affirmed individuals. The aim of the current study was to replicate and extend these findings. Methods: In a lab-based study, participants (N = 83) were randomly allocated to either the self-affirmation or control condition. All participants then completed a computerised version of the 2-back task (a measure of working memory) and a computerised version of the Stroop task (a measure of self-control). Findings: Self-affirmed participants performed better on the 2-back task (evidenced by improved accuracy) and the Stroop task (evidenced by quicker reaction times), compared to non-affirmed participants. Discussion: This study is an important replication and extension of previous findings and adds to our understanding of the link between self-affirmation and changes in health-related behaviours.