Although working memory and attention are intertwined, several studies have recently shown that individual differences in the general ability to control attention is more strongly predictive of human behavior than working memory capacity. Working memory capacity is an important psychological construct, and many real-world phenomena are strongly associated with individual differences in working memory functioning. Evidence-based therapies can be augmented to target LS and cognition. DISCUSSION: LS and verbal WM and processing speed predicted one another across long durations. However, change in spatial cognition did not predict change in LS (|d| = 0.085). Additionally, depletion in processing speed and verbal WM predicted future decrease in LS (d = 0.142–0.269). RESULTS: Reduction in life satisfaction predicted future decreases in spatial cognition, processing speed, and verbal WM (|d| = 0.150–0.354). Five waves of assessment occurred across 23 years.

METHOD: Community adults completed in-person tests of verbal working memory (WM), processing speed, and spatial cognition, and an LS self-report. Thus, we used bivariate dual latent change score modeling to test within-person change-to-future change relations between LS and cognition. However, most studies have been crosssectional, thereby precluding causal inferences. BACKGROUND: Within-person growth in life satisfaction (LS) can protect against declines in cognitive functioning, and conversely, over time.

Backward digit span test items pdf