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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
07:01
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
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Memory self-efficacy and working memory
Genna M Mashinchi1, Stuart Hall1, Kelly A Cotter2
1Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
Summary
Older adults' beliefs about their memory, known as memory self-efficacy (MSE), positively impact working memory performance. This suggests MSE interventions could benefit cognitive health in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dementia impairs cognitive functions like working memory and executive functioning.
- Memory self-efficacy (MSE) is linked to episodic memory and executive functions.
- The relationship between MSE and working memory is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between memory self-efficacy and working memory performance in older adults.
- To determine if MSE uniquely predicts working memory capacity.
Main Methods:
- 197 older adults from the United States recruited via MTurk.
- Participants completed a memory self-efficacy questionnaire.
- Working memory was assessed using a digit span task.
Main Results:
- Hierarchical regression analysis indicated significant variance in working memory performance.
- Memory self-efficacy explained a substantial and unique portion of this variance (p < .001).
- The overall model accounted for 19% of the variance in working memory, controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Beliefs about memory ability (MSE) are positively associated with actual working memory performance in older adults.
- Findings support the consideration of MSE measures in neuropsychological assessments.
- MSE interventions may be a valuable tool for enhancing working memory in aging individuals.
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