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The impact of process- versus outcome-focused episodic future thinking on everyday prospective memory in individuals
Steven Stelz1, Marc-Andreas Edel2, Mareike Altgassen1
1Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.
Abstract:
Prospective memory (PM) deficits are common in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are often linked to impairments in executive control. Strengthening encoding during intention formation may therefore serve as a compensatory strategy. The present study examined whether episodic future thinking (EFT) with different instructional foci (process-focused vs. outcome-focused) enhances the execution of everyday self-assigned PM intentions in adults with and without ADHD, relative to a standard encoding condition. A total of 196 adults (98 ADHD, 98 controls) were recruited in Autumn 2025 and randomly assigned to one of three encoding conditions, yielding six experimental groups (outcome-focused: n = 34 per group; process-focused: n = 32 per group; standard: n = 32 per group). PM performance was assessed using a modified version of the diary task across three online sessions. Overall, individuals with ADHD showed lower everyday PM performance. Across groups, EFT-based encoding improved PM performance relative to standard encoding. Contrary to predictions, outcome-focused EFT led to the strongest PM enhancement, while process-focused EFT yielded moderate benefits only for adults with ADHD. These findings provide first evidence that manipulating EFT focus during intention formation can enhance everyday PM in adults with ADHD, underscoring EFT as a practical strategy for improving daily functioning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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