Memory self-efficacy predicts memory performance: results from a 6-year follow-up study

• Published in: Psychology and aging Vol. 21; no. 1; p. 165
• Main Authors: Valentijn, Susanne A M, Hill, Robert D, Van Hooren, Susan A H, Bosma, Hans, Van Boxtel, Martin P J, Jolles, Jelle, Ponds, Rudolf W H M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.2006
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging - physiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Memory; Middle Aged; Self Efficacy; Verbal Learning; Visual Perception
• ISSN: 0882-7974
• DOI: 10.1037/0882-7974.21.2.165

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between memory self-efficacy (MSE) and a 6-year follow-up assessment of memory functioning in a sample of Dutch older adults. MSE was assessed by a Dutch abridged version of the Metamemory in Adulthood questionnaire (MIA; R. A. Dixon, D. F. Hultsch, & C. Hertzog, 1988; C. Hertzog, D. F. Hultsch, & R. A. Dixon, 1989; R. W. H. M. Ponds & J. Jolles, 1996). The total MSE score predicted memory performance at 6 years, as measured by the Visual Verbal Learning Task (VVLT; N. Brand & J. Jolles, 1985). A separate analysis of the different MSE subscales indicated that the MIA Change score was the most salient domain-specific MSE predictor of subsequent memory performance after 6 years. An extreme groups analysis of the MIA Change score revealed a pattern of performance for those who perceived that their memory was worsening, performing less well on the 3 trials of the VVLT when these were readministered at the 6-year follow-up.