Daily stressors and self-reported changes in memory in old age: The mediating effects of daily negative affect and cognitive interference

Abstract

This study examined individual differences in exposure to daily stressors and self-reported changes in memory among older adults. A sample of 87 older adults completed measures of daily stressful experiences, negative affect (NA), cognitive interference (CI), and rated their memory compared to six months ago. Results indicated that more frequent exposure to daily stressors was associated with rating one's memory to be worse compared to six months prior. Furthermore, CI, but not NA partially mediated this association. The findings highlight CI as a psychological pathway for understanding the links between daily stress and perceptions of memory and cognition in old age.

Keywords:

• stress
• self-rated memory
• daily stress
• negative affect
• cognitive interference

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants (R01 AG12448 and AG026728) from the NIH/NIA.