Does the Impact of Episodic Memory Declines on Future Changes in Perceived Control Vary Based on Individuals' Experience With Cognitively Demanding Jobs?

OBJECTIVES: This study proposes and evaluates a scenario wherein cognitive demands experienced at work can amplify the positive cross-lagged association of a shift in control beliefs following changes in episodic memory.

METHODS: From the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018) for 9,998 participants aged 50 or above, we used repeated observations of memory and control beliefs, assessed with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) and self-mastery and perceived constraints questionnaires. A dual-Latent Change Score Model estimated the cross-lagged effects between memory and control beliefs, separately for individuals with prior high cognitive job demands and those without.

RESULTS: A decline in memory led to decreased control beliefs in terms of perceived constraints, only among those with experiences in cognitively demanding jobs.

DISCUSSION: High cognitive job demands may lead to a more cognitively oriented awareness of aging, thus amplifying the impact of memory decline on control constraints.