Remember to Stay Positive: Affect and Prospective Memory in Everyday Life

The present study aimed to investigate the affect-cognition interplay in young and older adults by studying prospective memory (PM), realisation of delayed intentions. While most previous studies on topic were conducted laboratory, we examined influence naturally occurring affect PM tasks carried out participants' everyday lives. For seven consecutive days, participants asked rate their affective state nine times per day send text messages either at specific (time-based PM) or when a particular event occurred (event-based PM). Results showed that within-participants changes valence from more positive negative associated with decreased performance. This was similarly true for adults. design used allowed linkage fluctuations cognitive functions, constituting methodological advancement. suggest has potential improve functioning life.