Self-Reported Memory Function and Psychological Well-Being Among Elderly African American Persons

Abstract

This study examinedthe impact of self-reported memory deficits on psychological well-being among a sample of 998 elderly African American persons. Using multiple regression and employing other related variables (that previously have been identified as common predictors of psychological well-being), the findings of this study suggest that the risk of having a lower level of psychological well-being was greater for persons with more memory problems, even after demographic characteristics, functional limitations, health status, and cognition were included in regression equations. Self-reported memory deficits werefound to be the strongest predictor of psychological well-being. The strength of relationship between self-reported memory deficits and psychological well-being was stronger among women than men.