Identifier

etd-06272014-134004

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model for lifespan development (Baltes & Baltes, 1990) holds that as we age, our goals change from growth to maintenance. When people face difficulties, they work to minimize losses in order to maintain skills they already have physically, mentally, and socially. Thus, we compensate when possible in order to maintain the life we have established. In the case of memory people assume that there is little they can do when memory starts to fail and forgetfulness becomes more prominent. In the present research, we examine memory self-appraisals to provide new evidence on memory self-efficacy in later life. Additionally, we address memory aging knowledge and memory controllability as individual difference variables that contribute to subjective beliefs about one’s own memory. An intervention to improve beliefs held about memory was also carried out to examine differences in memory self-efficacy in the post-intervention stages through the use of the Memory Functioning Questionnaire, Memory Control Inventory, and the Knowledge of Memory and Aging Questionnaire. We found that memory self-efficacy levels in the oldest-old were the same as their younger counterparts, implying that subjective memory appraisals remain relatively stable in later life. Contrary to our expectations, high levels of memory knowledge and controllability were not significant predictors for memory self-efficacy. An intervention carried out with the oldest-old yielded no differences in meta-memory appraisals, and findings show their memory self-efficacy beliefs and control beliefs were already at high levels.

Date

2014

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Cherry, Katie E.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1930

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