Long-term memory
Can playing Tetris reduce intrusive memories of trauma?
Open access · cc by · source: Europe PMC
Playing a visuospatial computer game like Tetris after reactivating a consolidated emotional memory significantly reduces the frequency of subsequent involuntary intrusions.
Key findings
In Experiment 1, the reactivation-plus-Tetris group had significantly fewer intrusive memories over the subsequent week compared to the control group, with a large effect size (d = 1.14). Experiment 2 replicated this effect, showing that the reactivation-plus-Tetris group had significantly fewer intrusions than the no-task control group (d = 1.00), the Tetris-only group (d = 0.84), and the reactivation-only group (d = 1.11). These results suggest that playing the game is only effective at reducing intrusions when the consolidated memory is actively reactivated first.
Methodology
In Experiment 1, Fifty-two participants watched a trauma film and, 24 hr later, either completed a memory-reactivation task followed by playing Tetris (n = 26), or completed a control task (n = 26). In Experiment 2, we compared four experimental groups by splitting Seventy-two participants into groups where n = 18 in each (reactivation-plus-Tetris, Tetris-only, reactivation-only, and no-task control). In both experiments, participants recorded their spontaneous, involuntary visual memories of the film in a diary for 7 days.
Limitations
First, this study relied on an analogue trauma model using a distressing video, which does not fully replicate the clinical complexity, severity, or real-world environment of experiencing an actual life-threatening traumatic event. Second, the study did not compare Tetris with other types of games, leaving it unclear if the effect is specific to visuospatial tasks or if any highly engaging cognitive task (like a verbal game) would produce similar results. Finally, because recognition memory for the film remained fully intact, the intervention did not erase the memory itself, meaning the cognitive mechanism only prevents the memory from involuntarily intruding.
How this study connects
Role on claims
Each row is a claim on a concept or method page where this paper supports, challenges, or qualifies the statement. Roles are hand-checked — not a model guess.
Not yet placed on a claim. This paper has study layers, but no concept page yet cites it as support, challenge, or qualifier.
Discoveries this paper informs or conflicts with
- Intrusive memories can be reduced after they have already consolidated
This paper informs this development.
- An unconscious smile softened how a sad memory felt — without changing the facts
This paper informs this development.
Related papers in this topic
Same topic cluster — not a recommendation engine.