Cognitive Self-Efficacy and Mental Health Ratings after a Memory Skills Group for Older Veterans with PTSD. Issue 4 (8th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tyrrell, Caitlin J.; Shofer, Jane B.; Trittschuh, Emily H.
• Is Part Of: Clinical gerontologist. Volume 42:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 398
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2019-08-08
• Subjects: Cognitive self-efficacy -- memory skills training -- older adults -- PTSD; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health services -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2019.1569189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-7115

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives : Mental health factors, such as PTSD, can exacerbate typical age-related cognitive changes and lead individuals to have subjective concerns for which few interventions presently exist. This study evaluates self-reported mental health outcomes following a psychoeducational memory skills program designed for veterans over 50 with subjective memory concerns in the context of PTSD. It was hypothesized that outcomes would improve following program participation and that baseline cognitive self-efficacy would moderate improvements in self-reported depression and life satisfaction. Methods : Veterans ( n = 101, age ≥ 51) participated in an 8-week memory skills program and completed baseline and post-program assessment data as part of a quality improvement project. Results : Life satisfaction and cognitive self-efficacy demonstrated significant improvement following participation in the memory skills program. Cognitive self-efficacy was found to significantly modify change in depressive symptoms. Conclusions : We found improvement in mental health outcomes following participation in a psychoeducational memory skills program, with differential impact on depressive symptoms for those with low baseline cognitive self-efficacy. Clinical Implications : Participation in this intervention led to improved life satisfaction and cognitive self-efficacy. Cognitive self-efficacy, in turn, appeared to have implications for improving depressive symptomology and may be a useful target of memory skills education.