The role of metamemory and personality in episodic memory performance in older adults

Lenti, G., Carbone, E., Sella, E., Flegal, K. E. and Borella, E. (2023) The role of metamemory and personality in episodic memory performance in older adults. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 35(3), pp. 669-676. (doi: 10.1007/s40520-023-02341-x) (PMID:36709229)

Abstract

This study newly investigated the joint contribution of metamemory and personality (traits and facets) in explaining episodic memory (EM) performance in typically aging older adults. Forty-eight participants (age range: 64–75 years) completed a self-paced word list (SPWL) recall task, a metamemory questionnaire assessing perceived control and potential improvement (PCPI) and self-efficacy and satisfaction (SESA) regarding one’s mental abilities (e.g., memory), and the Big-Five Questionnaire. Based on the SPWL encoding strategies reported, participants were then classified as effective (N = 20) or ineffective (N = 28) memory strategy users. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that a better SPWL performance was predicted by higher levels of PCPI, Scrupulousness and Dominance personality facets. Effective memory strategy users, then, showed higher SPWL performance and Dominance (Energy facet) than ineffective ones. These findings suggest that both specific metamemory processes and personality facets predict better EM performance in older adults. Moreover, personality dispositions relating to Dominance seem to characterize individuals adopting effective memory strategies to support EM performance. These results represent first evidence of the role of both metamemory and personality—facets—in explaining older adults’ EM performance, which should thus be considered when assessing or training EM in old age.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di Padova within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Flegal, Dr Kristin
• Authors: Lenti, G., Carbone, E., Sella, E., Flegal, K. E., and Borella, E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1594-0667
• ISSN (Online): 1720-8319
• Published Online: 28 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 35(3): 669-676
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License