A relação entre o estresse percebido e a memória na vida adulta intermediária

Abstract

Middle adulthood typically spans the years between 40 and 65. However, this definition is arbitrary as there is no consensus on when this phase begins and ends. Studies show that individuals in this age group face higher and more frequent levels of stress, as well as different types of stressors compared to younger or older adults. The research aims to analyze the correlation between perceived stress and prospective and retrospective memory. Specifically, the objectives were to: (1) Analyze to what extent stress affects memory; (2) Verify gender differences in stress levels; (3) Understand through literature how memory influences the learning process; (4) Observe how stress influences learning. The study had a non-probabilistic sample of 110 individuals, with an average age of 50 years, characterized as quantitative, explanatory, survey, correlational, ex-post facto. The instruments used were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). The results indicated a significant and positive correlation between stress and prospective and retrospective memory. Additionally, stress was identified as a significant predictor of failures in these types of memory, with higher levels in women compared to men. Furthermore, stress emerges as a significant influence on adults' learning process, with the potential to negatively affect their physical and mental health. Therefore, it may compromise attention, concentration, and memory, which play a fundamental role in the learning process.