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.