Recently researchers have theorized that individual differences in cognitive control may elucidate processes involved in disorders characterized by intrusive thoughts and memories. In the present study, 77 undergraduate participants with a self-reported history of trauma exposure were administered assessments of cognitive control (working memory capacity; WMC), posttraumatic stress symptoms, trait anxiety, and depression. posttraumatic stress symptoms from each of the three symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal) were predicted from trait anxiety, depression, and WMC performance scores using separate regression models. After controlling for trait anxiety and depression, there was a negative, statistically significant relationship between cognitive control and re-experiencing symptoms but not avoidance or hyperarousal symptoms.
Bomeya, J., Amri, N., & Lang, A. J., (2012). The relationship between cognitive control and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of behavior therapy and eyperimental psychiatry, 43 (2), 844-848.
doi: 10.10.16/j.jbtep.2011.12.001
