"These findings are the first to demonstrate that non-emotional training that improves the ability to ignore irrelevant information can result in reduced brain reactions to emotional events and alter brain connections," says Dr. Noga Cohen. Cohen conducted the study as part of her Ph.D. research at BGU's Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab under the supervision of Prof. Avishai Henik of the Department of Psychology. "These changes were accompanied by strengthened neural connections between brain regions involved in inhibiting emotional reactions."
The researchers hope to examine the impact of this non-emotional training on individuals who are depressed or anxious. It may also be helpful for those at high risk of developing high blood pressure reactions to emotional information.
"Such future directions carry important potential clinical implications for a large percentage of the population," the researchers explain. "This cognitive training can be easily employed with different populations, such as children, elderly adults, and individuals with neurological or psychiatric disorders."