Daily Memory Lapses and Affect: Mediation Effects on Life Satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Memory lapses are common daily challenges linked to negative mood.
• The connection between daily challenges and global life satisfaction is underexplored.
• Daily experiences may accumulate to influence long-term well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between daily memory lapses and life satisfaction.
• To determine if affective responses mediate the relationship between memory lapses and life satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel structural equation modeling was used.
• Two datasets (N=561, ages 25-93) were analyzed.
• The study examined daily memory lapses, positive and negative affect, and global life satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Memory lapses were associated with decreased positive affect and increased negative affect.
• Affective responses to memory lapses significantly mediated the link to life satisfaction.
• The direct relationship between memory lapses and life satisfaction was not significant.

Conclusions:

• Daily memory lapses influence life satisfaction primarily through their impact on daily affect.
• Affective responses are a key factor linking daily challenges to psychological well-being.
• Interventions targeting emotional responses to challenges may improve distal functioning.