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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Self-efficacy and memory aging: the impact of a memory intervention based on self-efficacy
Rombin L West1, Dana K Bagwell, Alissa Dark-Freudeman
1University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. west51@ufl.edu
Summary
Older adults showed improved memory and self-efficacy through a multifactorial training program. This program integrated self-efficacy principles and memory strategies, leading to better recall and confidence.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Adult Education
Background:
- Age-related memory decline is a concern for older adults.
- Self-efficacy, the belief in one's ability to succeed, influences cognitive performance.
- Existing memory interventions may not sufficiently address self-efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multifactorial training program for older adults.
- To enhance both memory performance and self-efficacy in older adults.
- To investigate the role of self-efficacy in memory improvement.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive training program incorporating self-efficacy principles (e.g., mastery, goal-setting) and memory strategies (e.g., association, imagery, PQRST).
- Comparison between a training group and a wait-list control group.
- Assessment of memory self-efficacy, locus of control, name recall, and story recall.
Main Results:
- The training group demonstrated significant improvements in memory self-efficacy, locus of control, name recall, and story recall compared to the control group.
- Trained participants adopted effective memory strategies more frequently.
- Self-efficacy, baseline ability, and group assignment predicted final memory test scores.
Conclusions:
- An integrated training program combining self-efficacy theory and memory strategy instruction is effective for older adults.
- Enhancing self-efficacy is a viable pathway to improving memory performance in later life.
- This approach holds promise for cognitive enhancement interventions in aging populations.
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