Researchers have suggested that distrust in one's memory is both a cause and a consequence of repeated checking. We investigated whether reduced clarity and confidence occurs to an equal degree with repeated object use and repeated checking. In addition, whether decreased memory confidence persists after a delay in checking or use was examined. Participants (N = 113) either repeatedly checked or repeatedly used a virtual stove or a light bulb stimulus (the control stimulus). Significant declines in memory accuracy, confidence, vividness and detail were observed for the experimental compared to the control stimulus. No significant differences in these effects between the checking and exposure conditions were found. A significant increase in state anxiety across pre-, mid- and post-test was found for both conditions. These findings provide further support for the notion that repeated checking can be self-perpetuating due to its impact on memory processes. The findings also suggest that checking is not necessary for these effects to occur as repeated use without checking also results in significant declines in memory accuracy, confidence, vividness and detail. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
