Adaptive memory in contamination contexts: Exploring the role of emotionality

Abstract

Previous studies have reported a memory advantage for information previously associated with contamination cues (vs. non-contamination) – the contamination effect. In four experiments, we explored the role of emotionality in this effect. Participants recruited on prolific academic saw pictures (Experiment 1, N = 97; Experiment 4, N = 100) or names (Experiment 2, N = 92) of objects alongside illness (vs. neutral) descriptors or objects held by dirty (vs. clean) hands (Experiment 3, N = 100). Then, they recalled the objects and evaluated them in five dimensions. In Experiment 4, participants evaluated the objects before the recall task. The contamination effect was replicated across all experiments. Objects in contamination (vs. non-contamination) conditions were rated as more arousing, negative, disgusting, frightening, and with greater contamination potential. The contamination effect correlated significantly but modestly with the emotional ratings and was fully mediated by contamination potential. These findings suggest that emotionality plays a role but does not fully explain the effect.