Learning under stress: how does it work?

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Marian JoëlsHarm J Krugers

Abstract

The effects of stress on learning and memory are not always clear: both facilitating and impairing influences are described in the literature. Here we propose a unifying theory, which states that stress will only facilitate learning and memory processes: (i) when stress is experienced in the context and around the time of the event that needs to be remembered, and (ii) when the hormones and transmitters released in response to stress exert their actions on the same circuits as those activated by the situation, that is, when convergence in time and space takes place. The mechanism of action of stress hormones, particularly corticosteroids, can explain how stress within the context of a learning experience induces focused attention and improves memory of relevant information.

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Citations

Feb 4, 2014·Psychoneuroendocrinology·Sandra CornelisseMerel Kindt
Oct 13, 2006·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Akaysha C TangBruce S McEwen
Nov 7, 2007·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Jeansok J KimHugh T Blair
Feb 5, 2014·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Lars Schwabe, Oliver T Wolf
Dec 7, 2007·Neural Plasticity·Carmen Sandi, M Teresa Pinelo-Nava
Jun 4, 2014·Current Psychiatry Reports·Eric VermettenHarm J Krugers
Aug 15, 2009·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Lars Schwabe, Oliver T Wolf
Oct 12, 2012·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Chester A ThaiJohn G Howland
Apr 17, 2008·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·J M Coates, J Herbert
Jan 14, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·C ListonB J Casey
Apr 3, 2009·Nature Reviews. Neuroscience·Marian Joëls, Tallie Z Baram
Aug 12, 2009·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Eunice Y YuenZhen Yan
Nov 6, 2009·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Lisa Conboy, Carmen Sandi
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Sep 2, 2011·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Sandra CornelisseTom Smeets
Sep 24, 2011·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Xiao-Dong WangMathias V Schmidt
Oct 13, 2011·Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·Christian J MerzOliver T Wolf
Nov 2, 2011·Psychonomic Bulletin & Review·Tom SmeetsHarald Merckelbach
Apr 25, 2013·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Ioannis ZalachorasOnno C Meijer
Nov 20, 2013·PloS One·Johannes HaushoferTobias Kalenscher

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