Anxiety and Encoding Processes in Memory

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of anxiety on encoding processes in memory. It is argued that the levels of processing model of memory provides a useful approach to the study of anxiety effects on encoding. In particular, relative to low-anxiety subjects, high-anxiety subjects can be characterized as encoding fewer semantic features, encoding less elaboratively, and being less flexible in utilizing alternative memory strategies. The levels framework can also be combined with the encoding specificity view of retrieval to supplement the drive theory analysis of anxiety effects on retrieval.