Diminished confidence in prospective memory causes doubts and urges to check

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Correlational research has demonstrated links between prospective memory and checking compulsions. These findings suggest that negative beliefs and diminished confidence in prospective memory may contribute to intrusive doubts that tasks were not completed and ultimately to checking behavior. The present study represents the first experimental test of the hypothesis that diminished confidence in prospective memory causes increased doubt and urges to check. Methods: Participants completed several tests and questionnaires assessing prospective memory. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either false positive or false negative feedback about their prospective memory. They subsequently completed additional prospective memory tests and their doubts and urges to check that each of those tests was properly performed were assessed. Results: Participants who received false negative feedback about their prospective memory reported significantly higher levels of doubt and urges to check compared to those who received false positive feedback. Limitations: A non-clinical sample was used and participants with severe levels of depression and anxiety were excused before the feedback phase to avoid causing them further distress. Conclusions: The results provide further support for memory confidence models of checking compulsions by indicating that diminished confidence in prospective memory can cause increased doubt and urges to check. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.