The Emotional Impact of Positive Travel Memory Recall: Analyzing the Effect of Video as a Retrieval Cue

Purpose: This study examines the impact of recalling positive travel memories on emotions and investigates whether travel videos enhance emotional responses as retrieval cues. It also explores the role of travel memories in present emotion regulation and well-being. By analyzing the effects of visual stimuli, this study aims to deepen the understanding of memory-based emotion regulation mechanisms. Methods: A total of 80 adults were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (provided with a travel video) or a control group (simple recall). The experimental group watched a video of tourist attractions while recalling their travel experiences, whereas the control group recalled their experiences without video stimuli. Emotional changes were measured using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and non-parametric tests. Results: Overall, travel videos did not significantly affect emotional responses. However, among participants with high negative emotions, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in negative emotions (p< .05). Higher emotional immersion in the experimental group was associated with more positive emotional changes. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of travel videos depends on individual differences in emotional processing and engagement. Conclusion: This study confirms the emotional effects of recalling travel memories and suggests that travel videos can aid emotional regulation, particularly for individuals with high negative emotions. These findings highlight the potential of travel experiences in psychological interventions, demonstrating that travel videos provide emotional stability beyond merely conveying information. The effectiveness of travel videos may depend on individual immersion levels, warranting further investigation.