Memories of violence impair cognitive function for decades

Researchers from Colombia and Germany found that even indirect reminders of violent events significantly reduce short-term memory and thought control in people who experienced conflicts more than a decade ago.

In a world where active armed conflicts continue in several regions simultaneously, and violence in peaceful countries kills millions each year, the effects of aggression do not disappear after the immediate threat has ended. A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in July 2026, demonstrates how memories of violence affect brain function even decades after the events.

Results of experiments with Colombian participants

A group of scientists led by Francesco Bogliaccino conducted two studies in Colombia. The first involved people who had experienced war more than a decade ago. They completed tasks measuring cognitive abilities: Raven's matrices to assess intelligence, tests of short-term memory, and the Stroop test to determine cognitive control. Before testing, some of the participants were asked to recall experiences of violence, while the control group was asked to recall happy or neutral memories.

The results showed a clear pattern: those who recalled violence and had a higher level of exposure to it demonstrated worse short-term memory performance and weaker cognitive control. The intensity of the violence experienced was directly correlated with poorer performance. In contrast, in the control group, who recalled positive events, the level of prior violence did not affect performance.

The second study focused on victims of urban violence. Participants performed only memory tasks, and the results repeated the previous pattern. This confirms that it is not the fact of experiencing violence itself that reduces intellectual abilities, but rather the activation of traumatic memories that temporarily impairs brain function.

Violence as an additional cognitive load

The mechanism of influence is explained by the limitations of human cognitive resources. Working memory and attention have a fixed capacity. When the brain is busy with disturbing memories, resources for current tasks are reduced. A similar effect is observed in people with financial difficulties: constant anxiety about money temporarily reduces the ability to make decisions.

In the case of violence, the effect is stronger. Victims remain hypersensitive to topics related to the threat, and memories often surface involuntarily. This creates chronic cognitive load that manifests itself years after the events. A 2026 study highlights that trauma does not permanently damage the brain, but active memories make a person less effective in the moment.

The impact of news on cognitive abilities in Germany

A third study was conducted in Germany, where violence is much lower. Participants performed a Stroop task after recalling violent events from the news, such as the 2015 Paris attacks. The group that recalled violence performed worse than a control group that focused on positive memories.

An additional group expected mild electrical shocks, which caused anxiety. The combination of anticipating shocks and recalling violence produced the worst results, but the researchers were able to separate the effects: anxiety and memories of violence acted independently, simply adding to each other. This means that the impact of the news is not limited to increasing anxiety - the memories occupy cognitive resources on their own.

Practical implications for decision-making

The findings have direct practical implications. Survivors of violence should be aware that memories can resurface at any time and influence important decisions. The researchers recommend treating such memories as a temporary factor that impairs thinking and checking important conclusions after the emotional arousal has subsided.

For those who have not been directly affected, there is also a risk. Watching news about wars or violent events before making decisions can lead to mistakes. In 2026, when conflicts continue in several regions of the world, media consumption requires a conscious approach. Experts advise avoiding discussing difficult issues immediately after watching reports of atrocities.

Recommendations for protecting cognitive resources

To minimize the negative impact, experts suggest several strategies. First, seek professional help when intrusive memories arise. Second, consciously choose a time for important decisions — preferably in a calm environment without news in the background. Third, discuss problems with loved ones in a neutral environment, not while watching media.

Research also shows that the brain needs nurturing. Creating the conditions for emotional recovery—quiet, stability, support—helps restore full cognitive function. In the long run, this contributes to better decision-making, even in difficult circumstances.

Further research and international context

In July 2026, researchers from several European universities launched new projects to study the impact of media violence on young people. Preliminary data suggests similar effects in students who regularly watch reports of armed conflict, extending the understanding of the problem beyond the immediate victims.

International mental health organizations updated their recommendations for working with survivors of violence in 2026. They include mandatory consideration of cognitive load during therapy and training in memory management skills. Such approaches help reduce temporary impairments in daily life performance.

Conclusions for society

Society as a whole benefits from understanding these mechanisms. Increasing media literacy, creating spaces for emotional recovery, and supporting research in this area can reduce collective cognitive burden. In times of global instability, such knowledge becomes especially valuable for maintaining the ability to think rationally.

Sources

1. Bogliacino, F., Grimalda, G., Ortoleva, P., & Ring, P. (2026). Exposure to and Recall of Violence Reduces Short-Term Memory and Cognitive Control. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(32), 8505–8510.
2. Alós-Ferrer, C. (2026, July 3). How Violence Clouds Your Brain. Psychology Today.
3. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology. (2026, July). Media Exposure and Working Memory in Conflict-Affected Youth. Vol. 38, Issue 4.