Attributions of Responsibility for Memory Problems in Older and Younger Adults

Abstract

This study investigated older and younger persons' responsibility attributions for the cause of and solution to a memory problem and, for comparison, a weight problem. Traditional college‐age students (n = 116 ) and persons over 65 years of age (n = 98) read a vignette describing either a 25‐year‐old or 65‐year‐old who had a memory or weight problem. Results indicated that both the age of the help‐seeker and problem type affected attributions. Specifically, the 65‐year‐old was perceived to be less responsible than the 25‐year‐old for the cause of and solution to a memory problem. In addition, help‐seekers with a memory problem were held less responsible for causing and solving their problem than were help‐seekers with a weight problem .