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Daily Memory Lapses in Adults: Characterization and Influence on Affect
Jacqueline Mogle1, Elizabeth Muñoz2, Nikki L Hill1
1Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, University Park.
Summary
Daily memory lapses negatively impact mood. Prospective memory lapses consistently lower positive affect and increase negative affect, while retrospective lapses affect younger adults more significantly.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Affective science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Daily memory lapses are common experiences.
- Previous research often focused on prospective memory lapses.
- The impact of memory lapses on daily affect, especially across different age groups, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of daily memory lapses on daily affect.
- To determine if this impact differs across age groups (20-79 years).
Main Methods:
- 166 adults (ages 20-79) completed daily assessments for 7 days.
- Evaluated retrospective and prospective memory lapses and their perceived impact.
- Assessed daily positive and negative affect.
Main Results:
- Memory lapses occurred on 33.3% of days.
- Prospective lapses were more consequential and universally impacted affect (lower positive, higher negative).
- Retrospective lapses uniquely lowered positive affect in younger adults compared to older adults.
Conclusions:
- Prospective memory lapses have a significant impact on daily emotional experiences across all ages.
- Retrospective memory lapses have age-dependent effects on affect.
- Micro-level analysis of daily forgetting reveals its emotional consequences.
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