Disgust memory enhancement extends to more accurate memory but not more false memories.

Abstract

People show enhanced memory recall for disgust over fear, despite both being highly negative and arousing emotions. But does disgust's 'stickiness' in memory result in more false memories for disgust versus fear? Existing research finds low false-memory rates for disgust and fear, perhaps from using image lures depicting content unrelated to target images. Therefore, we presented 111 participants with disgust, fear, (and neutral) images during an attention-monitoring task. After 24-48 hours, participants completed a recognition test, where they viewed 'old' (previously seen) and 'new' images (both related and unrelated lures) and indicated whether each image was 'old' or 'new'. Relative to fear, participants experienced fewer false memories of disgust for unrelated lures, but similar false memories for related lures. Furthermore, participants' attention was captured more by disgust than fear images, and correct recognition and memory sensitivity were enhanced for disgust relative to fear. Our findings suggest disgust memory enhancement extends to accurate memory, which has clinical implications.