Memory Complaints and Memory Performance: The Relationship Reexamined

Abstract

The present study examined memory complaints among older adults. A review of the literature and reanalysis of data. suggests that the correspondence of memory complaints and memory performance differs as a function of an individual's affective state and degree of concern about memory functioning. Depressed older adults and those seeking memory training were found to evidence lower levels of correlation between self-reported memory complaints and memory performance than were non-depressed elders not actively seeking memory training. These results suggest that elders with high levels of concern about their memory functioning may hold special expectations or beliefs about their cognitive abilities. These results further suggest that memory training programs for elders must be multi-faceted in nature, including instruction in memory skills and examination of participants' beliefs and attitudes about their cognitive abilities.