Age-related differences in a DRM task: affect as a mediator

Research regularly shows that susceptibility to false memories increases with age. Concurrently, other research in younger adults suggests that false memories are more numerous under positive mood states than negative or neutral ones. Nevertheless, relationships between age, mood state, and the production of false memories still require clarification. To this aim, we presented younger and older adults with DRM lists followed by a free recall test. Participants also completed several questionnaires assessing their current mood state, trait affect, and life satisfaction. Results indicate that older adults recall fewer studied words but more critical lures than younger adults, and show that negative affect mediates the age-related effect on correct recalls. Specifically, a lower level of negative affect, as reported by older adults, reduces the effect of age on correct recalls. Our study provides new data suggesting that negative trait affect should be considered more regularly in research.