While research has demonstrated that expressive writing about traumatic events can increase short-term memory capacity, the underlying psychological mechanism for this effect is not yet understood.

Unexplained Efficacy of Expressive Writing on Memory

Expressive writing is a technique that can enhance short-term memory. A 2008 study by Masao Yogo and Shuji Fujihara found that participants who wrote about traumatic life experiences for 20-minute intervals over several weeks showed an increase in their short-term memory capacity. This effect was specific to writing about trauma, as it was not observed in participants who wrote about their best possible future or trivial topics.

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Memory enhancing strategies are various techniques used to improve the encoding and recall of information. These methods include organizing information through chunking, conscious repetition via rehearsal, and using memory aids known as mnemonic devices. Other effective techniques are expressive writing and saying words aloud.

Memory Enhancing Strategies

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Chunking is a memory strategy that involves organizing information into smaller, more manageable bits or chunks. As noted by Bodie, Powers, & Fitch-Hauser (2006), this method is particularly useful for remembering series of items like dates and phone numbers.

Chunking

Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help organize information for encoding, making it easier to recall. According to Bellezza (1981), they are particularly effective for recalling larger sets of information, such as steps, stages, phases, and parts of a system. Common applications include remembering lists like the order of the planets, a person's name, a mathematical formula, or the sequence of mathematical operations.

Mnemonic Devices

Rehearsal is a memory-enhancing strategy that involves the conscious repetition of information that needs to be remembered. According to Craik & Watkins (1973), this process is utilized to transfer information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Rehearsal

Expressive Writing as a Memory Strategy

Saying a word aloud is a memory-enhancing technique supported by research from MacLeod et al. (2010). This method, which can improve memory for words by over 10%, is effective because vocalization increases a word's distinctiveness. The strategy is also effective if the words are simply mouthed rather than spoken aloud, and it can be applied to various tasks, such as remembering a shopping list or studying.

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