The self-reference effect in episodic memory and metamemory is maintained in older adults

Self-referential information is remembered better than information encoded via semantic processing or when processing information in relation to others. Although older adults consistently show a decline in performance on memory tasks, mixed evidence exists as to whether a self-referential effect (SRE) in memory is maintained or attenuated in older adults. Moreover, little is known about metamemory performance in relation to self and other-encoded memories across the lifespan. In the present study, participants completed a surprise recognition memory task for adjectives encoded in relation to either the self, a close friend, or a celebrity. We assessed accuracy for both item and source memory. Metamemory was also assessed through confidence ratings for memory accuracy. In both young and older adults, a SRE was identified compared with both friend and celebrity encoded conditions. Likewise, a friend-referential advantage was identified compared to celebrity-encoded items. Metacognitive sensitivity (meta d’) and efficiency (meta d’/d’) were comparable in young and older adults. A self-reference was identified for source memory but this was limited to positive words. Despite older adults showing lower source memory accuracy in general, they demonstrated comparable biases in relation to the self and others as those observed in younger adults. Self-referencing is consistent across the lifespan and may provide a beneficial strategy for memory retrieval in advanced age and provide insight into neurodegenerative disorders associated with social cognitive impairments.