Many middle-aged and older adults believe as they age that memory declines are inevitable and there is little that can be done. Such beliefs of low self-efficacy and limited control over memory aging are associated with poorer performance on a wide range of memory tasks, especially among older adults. The objective of this research program is to learn more about how low control beliefs operate as a risk factor for poor memory by considering the psychological and physiological pathways whereby control beliefs and performance are related. This will be accomplished by using short-term longitudinal designs to examine strategy use, anxiety, stress reactivity and arousal as mediators. Episodic and working memory along with memory control beliefs will be assessed in adults ages 25 to 85. Participants will be drawn from a representative sample of the Greater Boston area and tested in their homes.
For Aim 1, we will extend past work to consider multiple indicators of anxiety, including self-reports and neuroendocrine (cortisol) and autonomic (heart rate) system responses of stress and arousal, which can have a short- term impact and long-term damage on cognitive and physical well-being. We also will examine memory- related stress in relation to age and the use of adaptive compensatory memory strategies. It is predicted that a sense of control over memory protects older adults from disruptive anxiety and rumination and promotes persistence in the face of challenging memory tasks. There is increasing evidence that variability in functioning is associated with important aging-related outcomes.
For Aim 2, we will extend work on individual differences in the sense of control to examine short-term intraindividual variability in control beliefs in relation to age and intraindividual variability in stress and memory. Short-term fluctuations in control may reflect vulnerability rather than resilience in the face of memory challenges. Variability in control is expected to be positively associated with age and stress and inversely related to memory performance.
In Aim 3 we expand the focus on age differences in intraindividual changes to the everyday context using a daily diary approach. It is expected that on days when adults feel more in control of their lives they will use more adaptive memory aids and strategies, experience less stress, and have fewer memory problems. Memory problems in later life can lead to anxiety and distress, but there are things that can be done to compensate. A focus on beliefs about controllability, the role of anxiety, and use of compensatory strategies for memory declines provides a useful framework for advancing our understanding of adaptive beliefs and behaviors for successful aging. Narrative: Good memory functioning is critical in everyday life (e.g., taking medications, remembering appointments) to maintain health, well-being, and independence. This research can identify modifiable beliefs and behaviors that are tied to poor memory and reduced functioning in instrumental activities for daily living. The results can be used to develop more effective interventions to reduce distress, impairment and dependence, enhance control beliefs and memory, and improve everyday functioning in later life.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AG017920-09
Application #
8037007
Study Section
Social Psychology, Personality and Interpersonal Processes Study Section (SPIP)
Program Officer
King, Jonathan W
Project Start
2000-04-01
Project End
2013-01-31
Budget Start
2011-02-01
Budget End
2012-01-31
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$277,397
Indirect Cost
Name
Brandeis University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
616845814
City
Waltham
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02454
Robinson, Stephanie A; Lachman, Margie E (2018) Perceived control and cognition in adulthood: The mediating role of physical activity. Psychol Aging 33:769-781
Robinson, Stephanie A; Lachman, Margie E (2018) Daily Control Beliefs and Cognition: The Mediating Role of Physical Activity. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci :
Robinson, Stephanie A; Lachman, Margie E (2017) Perceived Control and Aging: A Mini-Review and Directions for Future Research. Gerontology 63:435-442
Teshale, Salom M; Lachman, Margie E (2016) Managing daily happiness: The relationship between selection, optimization, and compensation strategies and well-being in adulthood. Psychol Aging 31:687-692
Stephanie, Robinson; Margie, Lachman; Elizabeth, Rickenbach (2016) Self-Regulatory Strategies in Daily Life: Selection, Optimization, and Compensation and Everyday Memory Problems. Int J Behav Dev 40:126-136
Rickenbach, Elizabeth Hahn; Agrigoroaei, Stefan; Lachman, Margie E (2015) Awareness of Memory Ability and Change: (In)Accuracy of Memory Self-Assessments in Relation to Performance. J Popul Ageing 8:71-99
Hahn, Elizabeth A; Lachman, Margie E (2015) Everyday experiences of memory problems and control: the adaptive role of selective optimization with compensation in the context of memory decline. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn 22:25-41
Lachman, Margie E; Teshale, Salom; Agrigoroaei, Stefan (2015) Midlife as a Pivotal Period in the Life Course: Balancing Growth and Decline at the Crossroads of Youth and Old Age. Int J Behav Dev 39:20-31
Graham, Eileen K; Lachman, Margie E (2014) Personality Traits, Facets and Cognitive Performance: Age Differences in Their Relations. Pers Individ Dif 59:89-95
Rickenbach, Elizabeth Hahn; Almeida, David M; Seeman, Teresa E et al. (2014) Daily stress magnifies the association between cognitive decline and everyday memory problems: an integration of longitudinal and diary methods. Psychol Aging 29:852-62

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