Work

How Specificity in Episodic Future Thinking Affects Prospective Memory: Cognitive Mechanisms and Latent Subgroup Differences

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Episodic future thinking (EFT) has been confirmed as a promising cognitive intervention for enhancing prospective memory (PM), yet emerging evidence suggests its effects may depend on the specificity of induction. The current study investigated this issue by dichotomizing EFT into two distinct methods: specific (researcher-guided detailed mental simulations) versus non-specific (participants’ self-guided imagination), implemented through differentially structured future thinking instructions. We also analyzed the distinct cognitive strategies mainly employed under each EFT condition based on the Dynamic Multiprocess Framework. The latent profile analysis (LPA) was further conducted to characterize individual variability in responsiveness to EFT manipulations. Behavioral results revealed comparable PM accuracy improvements across both EFT methods relative to the control group; moreover, specific EFT uniquely accelerated response times for both PM and ongoing task execution. The LPA further identified three distinct EFT response patterns—self-competent, proactive, and reactive—each exhibiting unique state-dependent cognitive characteristics. These findings provide a refined understanding of the EFT-PM relationship: (1) specific EFT facilitates more automatic retrieval of PM intentions, whereas non-specific EFT predominantly engages strategic monitoring; (2) individual differences in baseline mental images influence the effectiveness of EFT methods, suggesting the potential benefits of personalized intervention approaches for PM enhancement.

Source: Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/bs16040546

Authors: Chen Cai, Zihan Quan, Qingye Lin, Xin Fang, Qiyu Lin

Institutions: Qingdao University, South China Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Cognitive Functions and Memory

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654

Funder: Social Science Planning Project of Shandong Province