Motivation as a Mediator of the Relation Between Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Performance

Fanny Vallet, Nathalie Mella, Andreas Ihle, Marine Beaudoin, Delphine Fagot, Nicola Ballhausen, Marie Baeriswyl, Morgane SchlemmerMSc, Michel Oris, Matthias Kliegel, Olivier Desrichard and Angela Gutchess

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2020, vol. 75, issue 6, 1199-1205

Abstract: ObjectivesInterindividual differences in cognitive aging may be explained by differences in cognitive reserve (CR) that are built up across the life span. A plausible but underresearched mechanism for these differences is that CR helps compensating cognitive decline by enhancing motivation to cope with challenging cognitive situations. Theories of motivation on cognition suggest that perceived capacity and intrinsic motivation may be key mediators in this respect.MethodIn 506 older adults, we assessed CR proxies (education, occupation, leisure activities), motivation (perceived capacity, intrinsic motivation), and a global measure of cognitive functioning.ResultsPerceived capacity, but not intrinsic motivation, significantly mediated the relation between CR and cognitive performance.DiscussionComplementary with neurobiological and cognitive processes, our results suggest a more comprehensive view of the role of motivational aspects built up across the life span in determining differences in cognitive performance in old age.

Keywords: Cognitive performance; Cognitive reserve; Motivation; Perceived capacity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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