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Thesis
The effects of theta burst stimulation on working memory and emotional wellbeing
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001072
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a fundamental brain process that describes holding a limited amount of information in mind. WM is sensitive to injury, cognitive decline, and psychological dysfunction, making WM deficits common in various psychiatric, developmental, and neurologic disorders. Additionally, it is possible that WM supports reappraisal emotion regulation (ER), mediating suppression of negative emotions and improving psychological well-being (Tien-Wen, et al., 2018). While the psychological basis of WM has been the subject of study for many years, the past decade has placed an increasing emphasis on the role of brain networks in mediating cognitive processes, such as memory. The central executive network (CEN) and default mode network (DMN) are shown to be inversely correlated at rest and during WM-demanding tasks and accompany WM deficits (Goulden, et al, 2014). Brain-based techniques drawing from modern neuroscience that show promise in improving WM are desirable given a dearth of treatments for WM dysfunction that generalize to real-world contexts. Recent therapeutic techniques, such as theta burst stimulation (TBS), have allowed researchers to investigate the relationship between neural activity and behavior, thus further raising interest into clinical applications amongst various neurorehabilitative and neuropsychiatric populations. To test a proof of principle that cTBS can be used to modulate WM based on CEN-DMN opponent processes, we hypothesize that using excitatory TBS (iTBS) on the DMN will reduce performance on working memory tasks, as well as decrease positive mood. Additionally, we posited that inhibitory TBS (cTBS) used on the DMN will improve performance on working memory tasks, as well as increase positive mood. Our data did not suggest that either iTBS or cTBS had an effect on WM and emotional wellbeing scores, however, it is necessary evaluate future implications regarding data trends.
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Details
- Title
- The effects of theta burst stimulation on working memory and emotional wellbeing
- Creators
- Riley Cook
- Contributors
- John D. Medaglia (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 42 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695137004721