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Lineweaver TT, Wetli AC, Nicoson C, Tucker AJ, Hertzog C. Exposure to Memory-Relevant versus Memory-Irrelevant Aging Stereotypes Differentially Affects Memory Self-Perceptions and Memory Test Scores of Young, Middle, and Older Age Adults. Exp Aging Res 2023:1-19. [PMID: 38126198 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2295202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the combined influence of assimilation and contrast effects on the memory self-efficacy and objective memory of young (ages 18-25, n = 114), middle-age (ages 26-59, n = 48), and older (ages 60-98, n = 59) adults. We reminded participants that they matched positive, not negative, memory-relevant or memory-irrelevant stereotypes of aging either before (experimental conditions) or after (control condition) they completed a memory self-efficacy questionnaire and took a memory test. Participants exposed to memory-relevant aging stereotypes prior to other measures reported higher memory self-efficacy than those exposed to memory-irrelevant stereotypes; this effect did not depend on age group. In contrast, the effect of stereotype exposure on memory performance differed with age. Young and older, but not middle-aged, adults showed differences in their memory scores depending on whether they were exposed to memory-relevant, memory-irrelevant or no aging stereotypes. In general, exposure to stereotypes (particularly those relevant to memory) had a negative influence on memory that contrasted with its positive effect on memory self-efficacy. Together, these results indicate that exposure to aging stereotypes can have opposing effects on the memory self-efficacy and objective test performance of adults of various ages and that the relevance of the stereotypes to the cognitive domain being assessed matters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie C Wetli
- Psychology Department, Butler University, Indianapoli, Indiana, USA
| | - Coty Nicoson
- Psychology Department, Butler University, Indianapoli, Indiana, USA
| | - Ashley J Tucker
- Psychology Department, Butler University, Indianapoli, Indiana, USA
| | - Christopher Hertzog
- Psychology Department, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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2
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Wyman J, Malloy L. Increasing disclosures of older adult maltreatment: a review of best practices for interviewing older adult eyewitnesses and victims. Psychiatr Psychol Law 2023; 31:274-292. [PMID: 38628254 PMCID: PMC11018022 DOI: 10.1080/13218719.2023.2192260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The current article provides a contemporary review of the best practices for interviewing older adults about crimes they witnessed or experienced. Specifically, we provide a detailed overview of how investigators can use a range of interviewing adaptations and procedures to acquire detailed and accurate maltreatment disclosures from older adults. In addition to discussing well-established investigative interviewing practices (e.g. rapport building, free-recall, cognitive instructions and prompts), this article also summarizes more recent literature on the benefits of multidisciplinary investigations, use of assistive technology and interview accommodations, along with effective practices for working with minority and marginalized older adults. Lastly, several research, professional and policy recommendations are provided for supporting older adults during investigative interviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wyman
- Department of Psychology, King’s University College at Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay Malloy
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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3
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Ramírez Rueda LF, Ocampo-Palacio JG, Palacios-Espinosa X, Levy SR. Visiones sobre el género y el envejecimiento en hombres y mujeres trabajadores en Colombia. Univ Psychol 2022. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy21.vgeh] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Esta investigación evaluó creencias sobre el género (sexismo benevolente y hostil) y el envejecimiento (estereotipos positivos y negativos), experiencias de acoso laboral y sexual y de edadismo en el trabajo, así como las asociaciones entre estas, en una muestra de hombres y mujeres colombianos de 18-30 años (M = 25.3, DE =3.26), 31-45 (M = 37.6, DE = 4.44) y 45-75 (M = 53.56, DE = 5.8), mediante un cuestionario de autorreporte con escalas validadas o adaptadas para el contexto colombiano. Mediante varios ANOVA, evaluamos diferencias en creencias sobre género y el envejecimiento y en experiencias de acoso y discriminación, en función del sexo y grupo de edad. Para valorar las asociaciones entre creencias y experiencias utilizamos análisis de regresión. Hallazgos estadísticamente significativos sugieren que los hombres reportan mayor sexismo en general, aunque en ambos sexos prevalece el sexismo hostil sobre el benevolente. Los mayores de 30 años reportaron más estereotipos positivos del envejecimiento que los más jóvenes; las mujeres jóvenes, más experiencias de acoso sexual, pero las mayores, más acoso laboral. Adicionalmente, los estereotipos positivos del envejecimiento podrían proteger frente al acoso en el trabajo. Las creencias sobre el género y la edad impactan diferencialmente a hombres y mujeres de diferentes grupos etarios.
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Jia J, Ning Y, Chen M, Wang S, Li Y, Yang H. Ending age discrimination and stigma to promote healthy ageing in China. Lancet 2022; 400:1907-1909. [PMID: 36423649 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02362-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, Beijing, China; Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuye Ning
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Shuheng Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
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5
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Piroelle M, Abadie M, Régner I. Toward a New Approach to Investigate the Role of Working Memory in Stereotype Threat Effects. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121647. [PMID: 36552105 PMCID: PMC9775410 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereotype threat arises when the activation of negative stereotypes about a group impairs performance of stigmatized individuals on stereotype relevant tasks. There is ample evidence that stereotype threat leads to performance detriments by consuming executive resources. Several studies indeed showed that working memory (WM) mediates stereotype threat effects among young adults. More recently, researchers have sought to understand whether the same mechanisms underlie age-based stereotype threat, but findings are mixed regarding the role of WM and some authors rather favor a motivational explanation based on regulatory fit. The present review critically appraises the empirical support for distinct forms of stereotype threat effects mediated by distinct mechanisms. We propose a novel approach based on one of the most recent WM models, the time-based resource sharing model, to evaluate the impact of stereotype threat on attentional resources in WM among both young and older adults.
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Parker GJ, Haslam C, Stuart J, Shum DHK, Ownsworth T. Health practitioner beliefs regarding the impact of age-based stereotype threat on performance in the cognitive assessment of older adults. Aging Ment Health 2022:1-14. [PMID: 36038552 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2116399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health practitioners' understanding of the impact of age-based stereotype threat (ABST) on the cognitive test performance of older adults is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate health practitioners' ability to recognize the influence of ABST in the cognitive assessment of older adults and their perceptions of its impact in practice. METHODS One-hundred and twenty-nine health practitioners (86% female; M age = 39.75, SD = 11.50) with experience in conducting cognitive assessments with older adults (mainly psychologists and occupational therapists) completed an online survey assessing demographic and practice characteristics, aging beliefs, a hypothetical cognitive assessment scenario, and perceived impact of ABST on practice. RESULTS Overall, health practitioners rated ABST factors in the assessment scenario as less detrimental to cognitive performance than internal and external factors. In a hierarchical regression model, lower recognition of ABST and negative aging beliefs significantly accounted for lower perceived impact of ABST on older adults' cognitive test performance in practice (R2 = .37, p < .001). CONCLUSION Health practitioners may not recognize the influence of ABST on assessment findings, especially if they hold negative aging beliefs. The findings highlight the need to improve health practitioners' knowledge of ABST to increase the validity of cognitive testing in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giverny J Parker
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine Haslam
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jaimee Stuart
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David H K Shum
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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Taylor MA, Bisson J. Improving the psychosocial environment for older trainees: Technological training as an illustration. Human Resource Management Review 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Crutzen C, Adam S. “What if It’s not Just an Item of Clothing?” – A Narrative Review and Synthesis of the White Coat in the Context of Aged Care. Psychol Belg 2022; 62:62-74. [PMID: 35291725 PMCID: PMC8877653 DOI: 10.5334/pb.1138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although increasingly disputed, the white coat uniform is ubiquitous in geriatric care, which may reflect a phenomenon called medicalisation of ageing. This narrative review is the first attempt at integrating several theoretical approaches, such as the “white coat effect” and “enclothed cognition”, in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the use of this clothing item. Based on extensive empirical evidence, we will examine the consequences of wearing a uniform, not only on patients (in this case, older patients) and healthcare professionals, but also on their relationship. The white coat has powerful symbolic functions for healthcare professionals and is still preferred by older adults. However, the negative repercussions of wearing a uniform require us to question its use, particularly in environments where older persons live, such as nursing homes.
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Sheffler P, Rodriguez TM, Cheung CS, Wu R. Cognitive and metacognitive, motivational, and resource considerations for learning new skills across the lifespan. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci 2021; 13:e1585. [PMID: 34783458 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Across the lifespan, learners have to tackle the challenges of learning new skills. These skills can range from abilities needed for survival, such as learning languages, learning to walk during infancy, and learning new software for a job in adulthood, to abilities related to leisure and hobbies. As the learner progresses through novice to expert stages, there are cognitive and metacognitive, motivational, and resource considerations for learning new skills. In terms of cognitive considerations, fluid and crystallized abilities as well as executive functions interact to help the learner process and retain information related to the skills. In terms of metacognitive considerations, knowing what to learn and how to learn are important for novel skill learning. In terms of motivational considerations, changes in individuals' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation throughout the lifespan impact their pursuit of novel skill learning, and declines in motivation can be buffered through the cultivation of grit, growth mindset, self-efficacy, and other personal factors. In terms of resource considerations, there are many tools that learners can use to acquire new skills, but allocation and availability of these resources differ based on life stage and socioeconomic status. Taken together, these considerations may provide learners with the best chance at acquiring new skills across the lifespan. Further research investigating these three factors, particularly among older adult learners, and their interactive effects could help increase our understanding of their impacts on skill learning and inform future cognitive interventions that can be tailored to learners' unique needs. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Cognitive Development Psychology > Development and Aging Psychology > Learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Sheffler
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Tania M Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Cecilia S Cheung
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Rachel Wu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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Swift HJ, Barber SJ, Lamont RA, Weiss D, Chasteen AL. Editorial: Age-Based Stereotype Threat Effects on Performance Outcomes. Front Psychol 2021; 12:773615. [PMID: 34795622 PMCID: PMC8592906 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Swift
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. Barber
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ruth A. Lamont
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David Weiss
- Department of Psychology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Maxfield M, Peckham A, Guest MA, Pituch KA. Age-Based Healthcare Stereotype Threat during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Gerontol Soc Work 2021; 64:571-584. [PMID: 33843492 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1904080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Older adults have been identified as a high-risk population for COVID-19 by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though well-intentioned, this nonspecific designation highlights stereotypes of older adults as frail and in need of protection, exacerbating negative age-based stereotypes that can have adverse effects on older adults' well-being. Healthcare stereotype threat (HCST) is concern about being judged by providers and receiving biased medical treatment based on stereotypes about one's identity - in this case age. Given the attention to older adults' physical vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults may be especially worried about age-based judgments from medical providers and sensitive to ageist attitudes about COVID-19. Online data collection (April 13 to May 15, 2020) with adults aged 50 and older (N = 2325, M = 63.11, SD = 7.53) examined age-based HCST. Respondents who worried that healthcare providers judged them based on age (n = 584) also reported more negative COVID-19 reactions, including perceived indifference toward older adults, young adults' lack of concern about health, and unfavorable media coverage of older adults. The results highlight the intersection of two pandemics: COVID-19 and ageism. We close with consideration of the clinical implications of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Maxfield
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation , Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging , Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Allie Peckham
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation , Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging , Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - M Aaron Guest
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation , Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging , Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Keenan A Pituch
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation , Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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12
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Strickland-Hughes CM, West RL. The Impact of Naturalistic Age Stereotype Activation. Front Psychol 2021; 12:685448. [PMID: 34305742 PMCID: PMC8302256 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.685448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost self-fulfilling, commonly held negative stereotypes about old age and memory can impair older adults' episodic memory performance, due to age-based stereotype threat or self-stereotyping effects. Research studies demonstrating detrimental impacts of age stereotypes on memory performance are generally conducted in research laboratories or medical settings, which often underestimate memory abilities of older adults. To better understand the "real world" impact of negative age and memory stereotypes on episodic memory, the present research tested story recall performance of late middle-aged and older adults (N = 51) following a naturalistic age stereotype manipulation, wherein every day, newspaper-style materials (comics and puzzles) were either embedded with negative age and memory stereotype stimuli (stereotype group) or neutral stimuli (control group). Furthermore, all participants were tested in favorable, familiar environments. Potential moderators of the stereotype effects, e.g., metamemory beliefs, were assessed at baseline. Current memory evaluation and subjective age, as well as perceived stereotype threat and task-related anxiety, were assessed following the stereotype manipulation as potential mechanisms of the expected stereotype effects. Results suggested a contrast effect, as the stereotype group demonstrated superior story recall performance compared to the control group. Marginally significant moderation effects by age and perceived stereotype threat indicated that stereotype rejection was present for late middle-aged adults but not older adults, indicative of stereotype lift, and for individuals who reported low and average, but not high, levels of perceived stereotype threat. Additionally, a trend suggested more positive memory evaluation for those in the stereotype group who reported awareness of the stereotype stimuli than those who did not notice the stimuli. These results are consistent with other research demonstrating benefits to memory performance in adulthood based on motivational and contextual factors, such as using relevant memory materials and testing in favorable conditions. Moreover, the results of this study contribute to our understanding of individuals' responses to different types of stereotype stimuli, and the differential impact of stereotype manipulations that are subtle versus blatant. Individuals were motivated to counteract negative stereotype effects when conditions were supportive, stereotype presentations were naturalistic, and personal beliefs were positive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin L. West
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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13
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Hertzog C, Pearman A, Lustig E, Hughes M. Fostering Self-Management of Everyday Memory in Older Adults: A New Intervention Approach. Front Psychol 2021; 11:560056. [PMID: 33488441 PMCID: PMC7817715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.560056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional memory strategy training interventions improve older adults' performance on tests of episodic memory, but have limited transfer to episodic memory tasks, let alone to everyday memory. We argue that an alternative approach is needed to assist older adults to compensate for age-related cognitive declines and to maintain functional capacity in their own natural ecologies. We outline a set of principles regarding how interventions can successfully train older adults to increase successful goal pursuit to reduce risks of everyday memory failures. We argue that training individuals to use metacognitive self-regulatory strategies to proactively manage formulation and pursuit of daily goals can compensate for age-related cognitive changes and increase the likelihood of goal attainment. We then describe an intervention approach that instantiates these principles in a multi-modal intervention that is unique in its three-phase approach: (1) individualized assessment of an individual's current approaches to self-regulation; (2) training memory strategies, self-management skills, and new habits of mind in a group training context; and (3) a behavioral shaping period in which individuals receive coaching and feedback on their efforts to use trained procedures to improve everyday cognition. A recently completed study conducted an initial test of the intervention, with highly encouraging results. We advocate further efforts to replicate, extend, and fine-tune this type of intervention. The ultimate goal is to be able to deliver the intervention in a way that increases its potential reach, including to subpopulations of older adults at risk for everyday cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hertzog
- School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
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14
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Mariano J, Marques S, Ramos MR, Gerardo F, de Vries H. Too Old for Computers? The Longitudinal Relationship Between Stereotype Threat and Computer Use by Older Adults. Front Psychol 2020; 11:568972. [PMID: 33123050 PMCID: PMC7566919 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.568972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides having lower rates of technology adoption than the general population, older adults are commonly stereotyped as lacking technological ability. Stereotype threat, the fear of confirming negative stereotypes targeting their social group, may lead individuals to distance themselves from the stereotyped domain. This suggests that older adults may underuse computer technology due to stereotype threat. A sample of 86 community-dwelling older adults (Mage = 78.47, SDage = 7.92) participated in a two-wave longitudinal study aiming to examine the relationship between stereotype threat and computer use in this age group. An autoregressive cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. As expected, stereotype threat predicted lower levels of computer use a year and a half later. In turn, computer use was unrelated to the later experience of stereotype threat in this domain. These findings suggest that stereotype threat may undermine computer adoption in late adulthood, thus contributing to perpetuate the digital inequalities between younger and older generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Mariano
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sibila Marques
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel R Ramos
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal.,University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Filomena Gerardo
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), DINÂMIA'CET-IUL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hein de Vries
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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