Comparison of working memory function in male and female students with depression and anxiety and normal people

Abstract:Aim of current research was comparing working memory function in male and female students with depression and anxiety and normal people. Statistical universe f this research is all male and female students with depression and anxiety and normal individuals. From abovementioned universe, A sample constitute of 90 individuals, 30 individuals with depression, 30 individuals with generalized anxiety and 30 normal individuals (15 male and 15 female for each group) were chosen by random cluster sampling method. For measuring research variables, working memory index (WMI), beck depression inventory and self-rating anxiety scale with acceptable validity and reliability were used. For comparing aforementioned variables in three sample groups, multivariable variance analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient and Tukey follow-up test and Scheffe were used. Results indicated that there is significant difference between three groups in terms of working memory (number-letter sequence, span of direct space, reverse space, total space span). The average of active memory of depressed group was meaningfully higher than suffered group of generalized anxiety disorder and also average of active memory of normal individuals was higher than two other groups.