ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Stress is a strong modulator of memory function, which is very important and can affect work effectiveness, productivity and safety in the workplace. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of stress on working memory in young healthy males. A group of 12 young healthy males was submitted to a stressful condition in one day and control condition in another day. After each condition subjects performed the modified version of Sternberg task with complex visual scenes. The results showed that stressful conditions did not affect the performances between variable loads as well as variable delays. Further analyses separating performance into hits (correctly recognized) and CRs (correctly rejected) in term of recognition revealed that the CRs rate increased in the stress group with significant difference. These results indicate that acute stress enhances working memory performance related to the recognition of recollection process but not for familiarity process.
