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Factors producing over-selectivity in older individuals

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Abstract

Stimulus over-selectivity describes a phenomenon where only a subset of the relevant stimuli present in the environment, control an individual’s behavior. The current experiment explored the degree to which over-selectivity increases in old age. The level of over-selectivity in a visual discrimination task in 60 individuals aged 60–89 years was assessed, as well as the degree to which this reflected attentional control. In addition, the intellectual functioning and cognitive flexibility of the participants were assessed. Results showed that, as age increased, three effects were revealed: levels of stimulus over-selectivity increased, IQ scores decreased, and cognitive flexibility decreased. However, over-selectivity was not related to IQ or cognitive flexibility, and appeared related most to attentional impairments. Thus, ageing is related to significant declines in effective stimulus control. These effects can have a serious impact on the physical and psychological health of old adults, as well as their quality of life, and, therefore, this area of research warrants further exploration. The results are discussed in relation to the attention-deficit and comparator theory of over-selectivity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland

    Michelle P. Kelly & Geraldine Leader

  2. Counseling, Health and Special Education Division, Emirates College for Advanced Education, P.O. Box 126662, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Michelle P. Kelly

  3. Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK

    Phil Reed

Authors
  1. Michelle P. Kelly
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  2. Geraldine Leader
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  3. Phil Reed
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Correspondence to Michelle P. Kelly.

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Kelly, M.P., Leader, G. & Reed, P. Factors producing over-selectivity in older individuals. AGE 38, 63 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-016-9926-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-016-9926-x

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