The Effectiveness of Emotional Working Memory Training on the Cognitive Regulation of Emotion, Attention Performance and Reducing Anxiety in Children of Divorce

Abstract :

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotional working memory training on cognitive emotion regulation, attention performance, and anxiety reduction in children of divorced parents. Method: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest and control group. The statistical population included all children of divorced parents enrolled at Shahid Madani University of Tabriz during the 1402–1401 academic year, who registered for participation following a public call. From the registered participants, 30 individuals were conveniently selected and assigned to two groups of 15 (experimental and control). Participants completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski et al., 2001), the Stroop Test (Stroop, 1935), and the Cattell Anxiety Questionnaire (Cattell, 1975). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests through SPSS-23 software. Results: Emotional working memory training significantly improved cognitive emotion regulation, enhanced attention performance, and reduced anxiety levels in children of divorced parents (p < .05). Conclusion: Interventions based on emotional working memory can serve as an effective approach to enhance emotional and cognitive capacities and mitigate the psychological consequences of parental divorce in this vulnerable population.

References:

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