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Self-Discipline and Self-Consciousness Predict Subjective Memory in Older Adults

Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Address correspondence to Ann Pearman, Department of Psychology, MS 062, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02478. E-mail: pearman{at}brandeis.edu

Research has shown the personality variables of conscientiousness and neuroticism to be related to subjective memory in older adults. This study was designed to determine the specific facets of these traits involved in the relation between personality and memory complaints. Subjective memory evaluations were examined in 85 community-dwelling people aged 56 to 94 years. Regression analysis revealed that one facet of conscientiousness (self-discipline) and two facets of neuroticism (self-consciousness and anxiety) explained almost one third of the variance in subjective memory complaints. Anxiety acted as a suppressor variable to enhance the contribution of self-consciousness. Objective measures of episodic and prospective memory were not related to subjective memory. Effective treatments of memory complaints in healthy older adults may have to focus on enhancing self-discipline and self-concept.