The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and high and low-capacity working memory

Abstract

High and low working memory capacity in relation to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology was investigated. Working memory capacity was determined through both verbal and visual working memory tasks; a letter-numbering sequencing task and a visual serial working memory task. PTSD symptomology was measured using the civilian version of the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL-C). Undergraduate college students over the age of 18 participated in the study and results were computed using a multiple regression analysis and principle components factor analysis. The correlation between the working memory task and the PCL-C was not statistically significant, support for a positive relationship between working memory capacity and PTSD symptoms was not found. Future research should address a PTSD diagnosed or at-risk population using the verbal and visual working memory scales presented in the current study.