The effects of emotional manipulations on working memory and pupil dilation as an index of effort in cognitive processing

Abstract

Aim Working Memory ( is a psychological system having a processual character responsible for stored and processed information The aim of this research study was to analyse WM in the emotional context and to measure cognitive overload using non invasive methods such as pupillometry The primary for this study was the issue of WM in relation to non controlled Pupil Dilatation ( reaction WM is particularly important for performing complex cognitive processes especially in the presence of different distractors or time pressure In this area the possible consequences of the impact of emotions on the functioning of WM and using non invasive measurement PD are of particular interest The study shows currently the existence of a two way relationship between WM and emotion On one hand WM affects the perception of emotions and selection strategies, progress and efficiency of emotions, on the other hand emotions modify the functioning of memory