PREDICTORS OF METAMEMORY IN OLDER ADULTS

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of depressi on, health status, self-efficacy, and selected demographic variables t o the metamemory of older adults. Community-residing adults (N = 169), 55 years of age and older, were recruited from continuing education p rograms. No relationships were found between age and seven metamemory factors, Strategy, Task, Capacity, Change, Anxiety, Achievement, and L ocus. Those in the age group 65 to 74 years scored significantly highe r on the metamemory Strategy factor. Memory efficacy, both level and s trength, was significantly correlated (p < .01) with the Capacity, Cha nge, Anxiety, and Locus subscales. Overall, the set of variables accou nted for 4% to 21% of the total variance in metamemory factors.